Modulation of transthyretin expression

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of transthyretin mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate transthyretin amyloidosis, or a symptom thereof.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/944,786, filed Jul. 17, 2013, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/098,303 filed Apr. 29, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/329,538, filed Apr. 29, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/405,163, filed Oct. 20, 2010, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The present application is being filed along with a Sequence Listing in electronic format. The Sequence Listing is provided as a file entitled BIOL0123USD1SEQ_ST25.txt created Feb. 19, 2014 which is 56 Kb in size. The information in the electronic format of the sequence listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of transthyretin mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful, for example, to treat, prevent, or ameliorate transthyretin amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transthyretin (TTR), (also known as prealbumin, hyperthytoxinemia, dysprealbuminemic, thyroxine; senile systemic amyloidosis, amyloid polyneuropathy, amyloidosis I, PALB; dystransthyretinemic, HST2651; TBPA; dysprealbuminemic euthyroidal hyperthyroxinemia) is a serum/plasma and cerebrospinal fluid protein responsible for the transport of thyroxine and retinol (Sakaki et al, Mol Biol Med. 1989, 6:161-8). Structurally, TTR is a homotetramer; point mutations and misfolding of the protein leads to deposition of amyloid fibrils and is associated with disorders, such as senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA), familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), and familial amyloid cardiopathy (FAC).

TTR is synthesized primarily by the liver and the choroid plexus of the brain and, to a lesser degree, by the retina in humans (Palha, Clin Chem Lab Med, 2002, 40, 1292-1300). Transthyretin that is synthesized in the liver is secreted into the blood, whereas transthyretin originating in the choroid plexus is destined for the CSF. In the choroid plexus, transthyretin synthesis represents about 20% of total local protein synthesis and as much as 25% of the total CSF protein (Dickson et al., J Biol Chem, 1986, 261, 3475-3478).

With the availability of genetic and immunohistochemical diagnostic tests, patients with TTR amyloidosis have been found in many nations worldwide. Recent studies indicate that TTR amyloidosis is not a rare endemic disease as previously thought, and may affect as much as 25% of the elderly population (Tanskanen et al, Ann Med. 2008; 40(3):232-9).

At the biochemical level, TTR was identified as the major protein component in the amyloid deposits of FAP patients (Costa et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1978, 75:4499-4503) and later, a substitution of methionine for valine at position 30 of the protein was found to be the most common molecular defect causing the disease (Saraiva et al, J. Clin. Invest. 1984, 74: 104-119). In FAP, widespread systemic extracellular deposition of TTR aggregates and amyloid fibrils occurs throughout the connective tissue, particularly in the peripheral nervous system (Sousa and Saraiva, Prog. Neurobiol. 2003, 71: 385-400). Following TTR deposition, axonal degeneration occurs, starting in the unmyelinated and myelinated fibers of low diameter, and ultimately leading to neuronal loss at ganglionic sites.

The compounds and treatment methods described herein provide significant advantages over the treatments options currently available for TTR related disorders. TTR amyloidosis typically lead to death within ten years, and until recently, was considered incurable. Liver transplantation is an effective means of replacing the disease-associated allele by a wild type (WT) allele in familial cases because the liver is typically the source of amyloidogenic TTR. While liver transplantation is effective as a form of gene therapy it is not without its problems. Transplantation is complicated by the need for invasive surgery for the recipient and the donor, long-term post-transplantation immunosuppressive therapy, a shortage of donors, its high cost, and the large number of TTR amyloidosis patients that are not good candidates because of their disease progression. Unfortunately, cardiac amyloidosis progresses in some familial patients even after liver transplantation because WT TTR often continues to deposit. Central nervous system (CNS) deposition of TTR is also not relieved by transplantation owing to its synthesis by the choroid plexus. Transplantation is not a viable option for the most prevalent TTR disease, senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA), affecting approximately 25% of those over 80 due to the deposition of WT TTR.

Antisense technology is emerging as an effective means for reducing the expression of specific gene products and may therefore prove to be uniquely useful in a number of therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications for the modulation of TTR expression (See U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2008/0039418 and 2007/0299027.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating transthyretin expression. Antisense compounds for modulating expression of transthyretin are disclosed in the aforementioned published patent applications. However, there remains a need for additional such compounds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for modulating expression of transthyretin (TTR) mRNA and protein. In certain embodiments, compounds useful for modulating expression of TTR mRNA and protein are antisense compounds. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are antisense oligonucleotides.

In certain embodiments, modulation can occur in a cell or tissue. In certain embodiments, the cell or tissue is in an animal. In certain embodiments, the animal is a human. In certain embodiments, TTR mRNA levels are reduced. In certain embodiments, TTR protein levels are reduced. Such reduction can occur in a time-dependent manner or in a dose-dependent manner.

Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for modulating expression of transthyretin and treating, preventing, delaying or ameliorating transthyretin amyloidosis and or a symptom thereof. In certain embodiments are methods, compounds, and compositions for modulating expression of transthyretin and treating, preventing, delaying or ameliorating transthyretin amyloid disease or transthyretin amyloidosis or transthyretin related amyloidosis (e.g., hereditary TTR amyloidosis, leptomeningeal amyloidosis, transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy, familial amyloid polyneuropathy, familial amyloid cardiomyopathy, or senile systemic amyloidosis).

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2, or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2, or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2, or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, or 124.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, or 87.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, or 87.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, or 87.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, or 87.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, or 87.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from any one of nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, or 87.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, an animal at risk for transthyretin amyloidosis or having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, an animal having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is 100% complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2; or a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides and having the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, an animal having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is 100% complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; and wherein the compound comprises a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides having the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, an animal having transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is 100% complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; wherein the compound comprises a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides having the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80; and wherein the modified oligonucleotides has a gap segment of 10 linked deoxynucleosides between two wing segments that independently have 5 linked modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, one or more modified nucleosides in the wing segment have a modified sugar. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleoside is a 2′-substituted nucleoside. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleoside is a 2′-MOE nucleoside.

In certain embodiments, modulation can occur in a cell, tissue, organ or organism. In certain embodiments, the cell, tissue or organ is in an animal. In certain embodiments, the animal is a human. In certain embodiments, transthyretin mRNA levels are reduced. In certain embodiments, transthyretin protein levels are reduced. Such reduction can occur in a time-dependent manner or in a dose-dependent manner.

Also provided are methods, compounds, and compositions useful for preventing, treating, and ameliorating diseases, disorders, and conditions related to transthyretin amyloidosis. In certain embodiments, such diseases, disorders, and conditions are transthyretin amyloidosis related diseases disorders or conditions.

In certain embodiments, methods of treatment include administering a TTR antisense compound to an individual in need thereof. In certain embodiments, methods of treatment include administering a TTR antisense oligonucleotide to an individual in need thereof.

In certain embodiments, methods of treatment include administering a transthyretin antisense oligonucleotide and an additional therapy to an individual in need thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Herein, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one subunit, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for the portions of the document discussed herein, as well as in their entirety.

DEFINITIONS

Unless specific definitions are provided, the nomenclature utilized in connection with, and the procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques may be used for chemical synthesis, and chemical analysis. Where permitted, all patents, applications, published applications and other publications, GENBANK Accession Numbers and associated sequence information obtainable through databases such as National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and other data referred to throughout in the disclosure herein are incorporated by reference for the portions of the document discussed herein, as well as in their entirety.

Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms have the following meanings:

“2′-O-methoxyethyl” (also 2′-MOE and 2′-O(CH₂)₂—OCH₃) refers to an O-methoxy-ethyl modification of the 2′ position of a furosyl ring. A 2′-O-methoxyethyl modified sugar is a modified sugar.

“2′-O-methoxyethyl nucleotide” means a nucleotide comprising a 2′-O-methoxyethyl modified sugar moiety.

“5-methylcytosine” means a cytosine modified with a methyl group attached to the 5′ position. A 5-methylcytosine is a modified nucleobase.

“Active pharmaceutical agent” means the substance or substances in a pharmaceutical composition that provide a therapeutic benefit when administered to an individual. For example, in certain embodiments an antisense oligonucleotide targeted to transthyretin is an active pharmaceutical agent.

“Active target region” or “target region” means a region to which one or more active antisense compounds is targeted. “Active antisense compounds” means antisense compounds that reduce target nucleic acid levels or protein levels.

“Administered concomitantly” refers to the co-administration of two agents in any manner in which the pharmacological effects of both are manifest in the patient at the same time. Concomitant administration does not require that both agents be administered in a single pharmaceutical composition, in the same dosage form, or by the same route of administration. The effects of both agents need not manifest themselves at the same time. The effects need only be overlapping for a period of time and need not be coextensive.

“Administering” means providing a pharmaceutical agent to an individual, and includes, but is not limited to administering by a medical professional and self-administering.

“Amelioration” refers to a lessening of at least one indicator, sign, or symptom of an associated disease, disorder, or condition. The severity of indicators may be determined by subjective or objective measures, which are known to those skilled in the art.

“Amyloidosis” is a group of diseases or disorders resulting from abnormal protein (amyloid or amyloid fibril) deposits in various body tissues. The amyloid proteins may either be deposited in one particular area of the body (localized amyloidosis) or they may be deposited throughout the body (systemic amyloidosis). There are three types of systemic amyloidosis: primary (AL), secondary (AA), and familial (ATTR). Primary amyloidosis is not associated with any other diseases and is considered a disease entity of its own. Secondary amyloidosis occurs as a result of another illness. Familial Mediterranean Fever is a form of familial (inherited) amyloidosis.

“Animal” refers to a human or non-human animal, including, but not limited to, mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, and non-human primates, including, but not limited to, monkeys and chimpanzees.

“Antisense activity” means any detectable or measurable activity attributable to the hybridization of an antisense compound to its target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, antisense activity is a decrease in the amount or expression of a target nucleic acid or protein encoded by such target nucleic acid.

“Antisense compound” means an oligomeric compound that is capable of undergoing hybridization to a target nucleic acid through hydrogen bonding.

“Antisense inhibition” means reduction of target nucleic acid levels or target protein levels in the presence of an antisense compound complementary to a target nucleic acid compared to target nucleic acid levels or target protein levels in the absence of the antisense compound.

“Antisense oligonucleotide” means a single-stranded oligonucleotide having a nucleobase sequence that permits hybridization to a corresponding region or segment of a target nucleic acid.

“Bicyclic sugar” means a furosyl ring modified by the bridging of two non-geminal ring atoms. A bicyclic sugar is a modified sugar.

“Bicyclic nucleic acid” or “BNA” refers to a nucleoside or nucleotide wherein the furanose portion of the nucleoside or nucleotide includes a bridge connecting two carbon atoms on the furanose ring, thereby forming a bicyclic ring system.

“Cap structure” or “terminal cap moiety” means chemical modifications, which have been incorporated at either terminus of an antisense compound.

“Central nervous system (CNS)” refers to the vertebrate nervous system which is enclosed in meninges. It contains the majority of the nervous system, and consists of the brain (in vertebrates which have brains), and the spinal cord. The CNS is contained within the dorsal cavity, with the brain within the cranial cavity, and the spinal cord in the spinal cavity. The brain is also protected by the skull, and the spinal cord is, in vertebrates, also protected by the vertebrae.

“Chemically distinct region” refers to a region of an antisense compound that is in some way chemically different than another region of the same antisense compound. For example, a region having 2′-O-methoxyethyl nucleotides is chemically distinct from a region having nucleotides without 2′-O-methoxyethyl modifications.

“Chimeric antisense compound” means an antisense compound that has at least two chemically distinct regions.

“Choroid plexus” is the area on the ventricles of the brain where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced.

“Co-administration” means administration of two or more pharmaceutical agents to an individual. The two or more pharmaceutical agents may be in a single pharmaceutical composition, or may be in separate pharmaceutical compositions. Each of the two or more pharmaceutical agents may be administered through the same or different routes of administration. Co-administration encompasses parallel or sequential administration.

“Complementarity” means the capacity for pairing between nucleobases of a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid.

“Contiguous nucleobases” means nucleobases immediately adjacent to each other.

“Diluent” means an ingredient in a composition that lacks pharmacological activity, but is pharmaceutically necessary or desirable. For example, the diluent in an injected composition may be a liquid, e.g. saline solution.

“Dose” means a specified quantity of a pharmaceutical agent provided in a single administration, or in a specified time period. In certain embodiments, a dose may be administered in one, two, or more boluses, tablets, or injections. For example, in certain embodiments where subcutaneous administration is desired, the desired dose requires a volume not easily accommodated by a single injection, therefore, two or more injections may be used to achieve the desired dose. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical agent is administered by infusion over an extended period of time or continuously. Doses may be stated as the amount of pharmaceutical agent per hour, day, week, or month.

“Effective amount” means the amount of active pharmaceutical agent sufficient to effectuate a desired physiological outcome in an individual in need of the agent. The effective amount may vary among individuals depending on the health and physical condition of the individual to be treated, the taxonomic group of the individuals to be treated, the formulation of the composition, assessment of the individual's medical condition, and other relevant factors.

“Familial amyloidosis” or “hereditary amyloidosis” is a form of inherited amyloidosis.

“Familial amyloid polyneuropathy” or “FAP” is a neurodegenerative genetically transmitted disorder, characterized by systemic depositions of amyloid variants of transthyretin proteins, causing progressive sensory and motorial polyneuropathy.

“Fully complementary” or “100% complementary” means each nucleobase of a nucleobase sequence of a first nucleic acid has a complementary nucleobase in a second nucleobase sequence of a second nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a first nucleic acid is an antisense compound and a target nucleic acid is a second nucleic acid.

“Gapmer” means a chimeric antisense compound in which an internal region having a plurality of nucleosides that support RNase H cleavage is positioned between external regions having one or more nucleosides, wherein the nucleosides comprising the internal region are chemically distinct from the nucleoside or nucleosides comprising the external regions. The internal region may be referred to as a “gap segment” and the external regions may be referred to as “wing segments.”

“Gap-widened” means a chimeric antisense compound having a gap segment of 12 or more contiguous 2′-deoxyribonucleosides positioned between and immediately adjacent to 5′ and 3′ wing segments having from one to six nucleosides.

“Hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis” is a systemic disease caused by mutations in transthyretin, a plasma transport protein for thyroxine and vitamin A. It is most frequently associated with peripheral neuropathy and restrictive cardiomyopathy, but amyloid deposits in blood vessel walls and connective tissue structures throughout the body often cause dysfunction of other organ systems. Gastrointestinal motility abnormalities are common in this disease with constipation, diarrhea and early satiety from delayed gastric-emptying. Connective tissue deposits of amyloid in the wrist may cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Amyloid deposits in spinal blood vessels and surrounding structures cause spinal stenosis with symptoms of claudication.

“Hybridization” means the annealing of complementary nucleic acid molecules. In certain embodiments, complementary nucleic acid molecules include an antisense compound and a target nucleic acid.

“Immediately adjacent” means there are no intervening elements between the immediately adjacent elements.

“Individual” means a human or non-human animal selected for treatment or therapy.

“Intracerebroventricular administration” or “cerebral intraventricular administration” or “cerebral ventricular administration” means administration through injection or infusion into the ventricular system of the brain.

“Intraperitoneal administration” means administration to the peritoneal cavity.

“Intrathecal administration” means administration through injection or infusion into the cerebrospinal fluid bathing the spinal cord and brain.

“Intravenous administration” means administration into a vein.

“Intraventricular administration” means administration into the ventricles of either the brain or heart.

“Internucleoside linkage” refers to the chemical bond between nucleosides.

“Leptomeningeal” means having to do with the leptomeninges, the two innermost layers of tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. “Leptomeningeal amyloidosis” refers to amyloidosis of the leptomeninges resulting from transthyretin amyloid deposition within the leptomeninges.

“Linked nucleosides” means adjacent nucleosides which are bonded together.

“Mismatch” or “non-complementary nucleobase” refers to the case when a nucleobase of a first nucleic acid is not capable of pairing with the corresponding nucleobase of a second or target nucleic acid.

“Modified internucleoside linkage” refers to a substitution or any change from a naturally occurring internucleoside bond (i.e. a phosphodiester internucleoside bond).

“Modified nucleobase” refers to any nucleobase other than adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymidine, or uracil. An “unmodified nucleobase” means the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C), and uracil (U).

“Modified nucleotide” means a nucleotide having, independently, a modified sugar moiety, modified internucleoside linkage, or modified nucleobase. A “modified nucleoside” means a nucleoside having, independently, a modified sugar moiety or modified nucleobase.

“Modified oligonucleotide” means an oligonucleotide comprising at least one modified nucleotide.

“Modified sugar” refers to a substitution or change from a natural sugar.

“Motif” means the pattern of chemically distinct regions in an antisense compound.

“Naturally occurring internucleoside linkage” means a 3′ to 5′ phosphodiester linkage.

“Natural sugar moiety” means a sugar found in DNA (2′-H) or RNA (2′-OH).

“Nucleic acid” refers to molecules composed of monomeric nucleotides. A nucleic acid includes ribonucleic acids (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), single-stranded nucleic acids, double-stranded nucleic acids, small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA). A nucleic acid may also comprise a combination of these elements in a single molecule.

“Nucleobase” means a heterocyclic moiety capable of pairing with a base of another nucleic acid.

“Nucleobase sequence” means the order of contiguous nucleobases independent of any sugar, linkage, or nucleobase modification.

“Nucleoside” means a nucleobase linked to a sugar.

“Nucleotide” means a nucleoside having a phosphate group covalently linked to the sugar portion of the nucleoside.

“Oligomeric compound” or “oligomer” means a polymer of linked monomeric subunits which is capable of hybridizing to at least a region of a nucleic acid molecule.

“Oligonucleotide” means a polymer of linked nucleosides each of which can be modified or unmodified, independent one from another.

“Parenteral administration” means administration through injection or infusion. Parenteral administration includes subcutaneous administration, intravenous administration, intramuscular administration, intraarterial administration, intraperitoneal administration, or intracranial administration, e.g. intracerebral administration, intrathecal administration, intraventricular administration, ventricular administration, intracerebroventricular administration, cerebral intraventricular administration or cerebral ventricular administration. Administration can be continuous, or chronic, or short or intermittent.

“Peptide” means a molecule formed by linking at least two amino acids by amide bonds. Peptide refers to polypeptides and proteins.

“Pharmaceutical composition” means a mixture of substances suitable for administering to an individual. For example, a pharmaceutical composition may comprise one or more active pharmaceutical agents and a sterile aqueous solution.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” means physiologically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of antisense compounds, i.e., salts that retain the desired biological activity of the parent oligonucleotide and do not impart undesired toxicological effects thereto.

“Phosphorothioate linkage” means a linkage between nucleosides where the phosphodiester bond is modified by replacing one of the non-bridging oxygen atoms with a sulfur atom. A phosphorothioate linkage is a modified internucleoside linkage.

“Portion” means a defined number of contiguous (i.e. linked) nucleobases of a nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a portion is a defined number of contiguous nucleobases of a target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, a portion is a defined number of contiguous nucleobases of an antisense compound.

“Prevent” refers to delaying or forestalling the onset or development of a disease, disorder, or condition for a period of time from minutes to indefinitely. Prevent also means reducing risk of developing a disease, disorder, or condition.

“Prodrug” means a therapeutic agent that is prepared in an inactive form that is converted to an active form within the body or cells thereof by the action of endogenous enzymes or other chemicals or conditions.

“Side effects” means physiological responses attributable to a treatment other than the desired effects. In certain embodiments, side effects include injection site reactions, liver function test abnormalities, renal function abnormalities, liver toxicity, renal toxicity, central nervous system abnormalities, myopathies, and malaise. For example, increased aminotransferase levels in serum may indicate liver toxicity or liver function abnormality. For example, increased bilirubin may indicate liver toxicity or liver function abnormality.

“Single-stranded oligonucleotide” means an oligonucleotide which is not hybridized to a complementary strand.

“Specifically hybridizable” refers to an antisense compound having a sufficient degree of complementarity between an antisense oligonucleotide and a target nucleic acid to induce a desired effect, while exhibiting minimal or no effects on non-target nucleic acids under conditions in which specific binding is desired, i.e. under physiological conditions in the case of in vivo assays and therapeutic treatments.

“Subcutaneous administration” means administration just below the skin.

“Targeting” or “targeted” means the process of design and selection of an antisense compound that will specifically hybridize to a target nucleic acid and induce a desired effect.

“Target nucleic acid,” “target RNA,” and “target RNA transcript” all refer to a nucleic acid capable of being targeted by antisense compounds.

“Target segment” means the sequence of nucleotides of a target nucleic acid to which an antisense compound is targeted. “5′ target site” refers to the 5′-most nucleotide of a target segment. “3′ target site” refers to the 3′-most nucleotide of a target segment.

“Therapeutically effective amount” means an amount of a pharmaceutical agent that provides a therapeutic benefit to an individual.

“Transthyretin-specific inhibitor” or “Transthyretin inhibitor” means any compound capable of decreasing transthyretin mRNA or protein expression. Examples of such compounds include a nucleic acid, a peptide, an antibody, or a histone deacetylase inhibitor.

“Transthyretin specific modulator” or “transthyretin modulator” means any compound capable of increasing or decreasing transthyretin mRNA or protein expression.

“Transthyretin-related amyloidosis” or “transthyretin amyloidosis” or “Transthyretin amyloid disease”, as used herein, is any pathology or disease associated with dysfunction or dysregulation of transthyretin that result in formation of transthyretin-containing amyloid fibrils. Transthyretin amyloidosis includes, but is not limited to, hereditary TTR amyloidosis, leptomeningeal amyloidosis, familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), familial amyloid cardiomyopathy, familial oculoleptomeningeal amyloidosis, senile cardiac amyloidosis, or senile systemic amyloidosis.

“Treat” refers to administering a pharmaceutical composition to effect an alteration or improvement of a disease, disorder, or condition.

“Unmodified nucleotide” means a nucleotide composed of naturally occurring nucleobases, sugar moieties, and internucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, an unmodified nucleotide is an RNA nucleotide (i.e. β-D-ribonucleosides) or a DNA nucleotide (i.e. (3-D-deoxyribonucleoside).

Certain Embodiments

Certain embodiments provide methods, compounds, and compositions for inhibiting transthyretin expression.

Certain embodiments provide antisense compounds targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, the transthyretin nucleic acid is any of the sequences set forth in GENBANK Accession No. NM_(—)000371.2 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 1), GENBANK Accession No. NT_(—)010966.10 truncated from nucleotides 2009236 to 2017289 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 2); exons 1-4 extracted from the rhesus monkey genomic sequence GENBANK Accession No. NW_(—)001105671.1, based on similarity to human exons; and GENBANK Accession No. NW_(—)001105671.1 truncated from nucleotides 628000 to 638000 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 4).

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, and 87. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, and 87.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, and 87. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, and 87.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, and 87. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, and 87.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, and 87. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, and 87.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, and 87. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19 or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, and 87.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 80.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 50 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 80.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 80.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 80.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or at least 20 contiguous nucleobases of a sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 80.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 to 30 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide comprises at least 9, at least 10, at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, or at least 19 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, the compound comprises a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least an 8 contiguous nucleobase portion that is complementary to an equal length nucleobase portion within the region selected from nucleotides 120-139, 212-236, 226-245, 293-468, 293-326, 347-381, 425-468, 425-467, 452-478, 452-474, 459-478, 461-519, 462-500, 500-519, 501-535, 502-531, 505-524, 507-526, 508-527, 514-540, 514-539, 515-534, 516-535, 523-542, 544-606, 544-564, 564-583, 578-601, 580-608, 580-599, 584-606, 585-604, 587-606, or 597-617 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments the region is selected from 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments the region is selected from 501-535 or 580-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide has at least a 9, at least a 10, at least an 11, at least an 12, at least an 13, at least an 14, at least an 15, at least an 16, at least an 17, at least an 18, at least an 19 or at least a 20 contiguous nucleobase portion of which is complementary within a region described herein.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least an 8 contiguous nucleobase portion that is complementary to an equal length nucleobase portion within the region selected from nucleotides 501-535 or 580-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide has at least a 9, at least a 10, at least an 11, at least an 12, at least an 13, at least an 14, at least an 15, at least an 16, at least an 17, at least an 18, at least an 19 or at least a 20 contiguous nucleobase portion of which is complementary within a region described herein.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least an 8 contiguous nucleobase portion that is complementary to an equal length nucleobase portion within the region selected from nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide has at least a 9, at least a 10, at least an 11, at least an 12, at least an 13, at least an 14, at least an 15, at least an 16, at least an 17, at least an 18, at least an 19 or at least a 20 contiguous nucleobase portion of which is complementary within a region described herein.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 15 to 25 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least an 8 contiguous nucleobase portion that is complementary to an equal length nucleobase portion within the region selected from nucleotides 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide has at least a 9, at least a 10, at least an 11, at least an 12, at least an 13, at least an 14, at least an 15, at least an 16, at least an 17, at least an 18, at least an 19 or at least a 20 contiguous nucleobase portion of which is complementary within a region described herein.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 18 to 21 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least an 8 contiguous nucleobase portion that is complementary to an equal length nucleobase portion within the region selected from nucleotides 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide has at least a 9, at least a 10, at least an 11, at least an 12, at least an 13, at least an 14, at least an 15, at least an 16, at least an 17, at least an 18, at least an 19 or at least a 20 contiguous nucleobase portion of which is complementary within a region described herein.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least an 8 contiguous nucleobase portion that is complementary to an equal length nucleobase portion within the region selected from nucleotides 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide has at least a 9, at least a 10, at least an 11, at least a 12, at least a 13, at least a 14, at least a 15, at least a 16, at least a 17, at least an 18, at least 19 or at least a 20 contiguous nucleobase portion of which is complementary within a region described herein. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide is 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100% complementary to a nucleic acid encoding human transthyretin (TTR), eg. SEQ ID No: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least an 8 contiguous nucleobase portion that is complementary to an equal length nucleobase portion within the region selected from nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide has at least a 9, at least a 10, at least an 11, at least a 12, at least a 13, at least a 14, at least a 15, at least a 16, at least a 17, at least an 18, at least 19 or at least a 20 contiguous nucleobase portion of which is complementary to an equal length portion within the region selected from nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide is 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100% complementary to a nucleic acid encoding human transthyretin (TTR), eg. SEQ ID No: 1

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 60% complementary within the region selected from nucleotides 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1. Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 70% complementary within the region selected from nucleotides 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 80% complementary within the region selected from nucleotides 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 90% complementary within the region selected from nucleotides 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 95% complementary within the region selected from nucleotides 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 99% complementary within the region selected from nucleotides 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 100% complementary within the region selected from nucleotides 507-526, 508-527, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606 and 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 60% complementary within nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 70% complementary within nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 80% complementary within nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 90% complementary within nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 95% complementary within nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 99% complementary within nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides 100% complementary within nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound or modified oligonucleotide targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid targets the following nucleotide regions of SEQ ID NO: 1: 120-139, 212-236, 226-245, 293-468, 293-326, 347-381, 425-468, 425-467, 452-478, 452-474, 459-478, 461-519, 462-500, 500-519, 502-531, 507-526, 505-524, 508-527, 514-540, 514-539, 515-534, 516-535, 523-542, 544-606, 544-564, 564-583, 578-601, 580-599, 584-606, 585-604, 587-606, or 597-617.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds or modified oligonucleotides targets a region of a transthyretin nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, such compounds or oligonucleotides targeted to a region of a transthyretin nucleic acid have a contiguous nucleobase portion that is complementary to an equal length nucleobase portion of the region. For example, the portion can be at least an 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 contiguous nucleobases portion complementary to an equal length portion of a region recited herein. In certain embodiments, such compounds or oligonucleotide target the following nucleotide regions of SEQ ID NO: 1: 120-139, 212-236, 226-245, 293-381, 293-366, 353-381, 293-468, 425-468, 425-467, 452-476, 461-481, 461-500, 500-519, 461-519, 502-531, 502-539, 504-536, 505-525, 506-530, 507-527, 508-527, 508-536, 514-540, 523-542, 544-606, 544-564, 544-583, or 597-617.

In certain embodiments, such compounds or oligonucleotides targeted to a region of a transthyretin nucleic acid have a contiguous nucleobase portion that is complementary to an equal length nucleobase portion of the region 501-535 or 580-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the following nucleotide regions of SEQ ID NO: 1, when targeted by antisense compounds or oligonucleotides, displays at least 60% inhibition: 226-245, 293-366, 357-467, 452-474, 457-476, 459-478, 462-500, 500-519, 502-531, 504-536, 505-525, 506-530, 507-527, 508-527, 508-536, 514-539, 544-564, 564-583, 578-601, 584-606, or 597-617.

In certain embodiments, the following nucleotide regions of SEQ ID NO: 1, when targeted by antisense compounds or oligonucleotides, displays at least 65% inhibition: 293-366, 357-376, 425-449, 432-467, 452-474, 459-478, 462-500, 500-519, 502-531, 504-536, 505-525, 506-530, 507-527, 508-527, 508-536, 514-539, 544-563, 564-583, 578-601, 585-606, or 597-617.

In certain embodiments, the following nucleotide regions of SEQ ID NO: 1, when targeted by antisense compounds or oligonucleotides, displays at least 70% inhibition: 293-366, 425-449, 432-467, 452-474, 459-478, 462-500, 500-519, 502-531, 504-536, 505-525, 506-530, 507-527, 508-527, 508-536, 514-539, 564-583, 578-598, 581-600, or 597-617.

In certain embodiments, the following nucleotide regions of SEQ ID NO: 1, when targeted by antisense compounds or oligonucleotides, displays at least 75% inhibition: 293-322, 347-366, 425-449, 432-467, 452-474, 459-478, 462-500, 500-519, 503-531, 504-536, 505-525, 506-530, 507-527, 508-527, 508-536, 514-539, 578-598, 581-600, or 597-616.

In certain embodiments, the following nucleotide regions of SEQ ID NO: 1, when targeted by antisense compounds or oligonucleotides, displays at least 80% inhibition: 303-322, 425-449, 432-460, 443-467, 452-473, 481-500, 500-519, 503-531, 504-536, 505-525, 506-530, 507-527, 508-527, 508-536, 514-536, 519-539, 579-598, 581-600, or 597-616.

In certain embodiments, the following nucleotide regions of SEQ ID NO: 1, when targeted by antisense compounds or oligonucleotides, displays at least 85% inhibition: 427-449, 432-458, 441-460, 443-467, 452-473, 504-531, 504-536, 505-525, 506-530, 507-527, 508-527, 508-536, 514-536, 519-539, or 581-600.

In certain embodiments, the following nucleotide regions of SEQ ID NO: 1, when targeted by antisense compounds or oligonucleotides, displays at least 90% inhibition: 428-449, 432-456, 439-458, 441-460, 445-466, 452-473, 504-525, 508-527, or 515-536.

In certain embodiments, the following nucleotide regions of SEQ ID NO: 1, when targeted by antisense compounds or oligonucleotides, displays at least 95% inhibition: 434-453, 436-456, 441-460, 445-465, 505-524, or 516-535.

In certain embodiments, the following antisense compounds target a region of a SEQ ID NO: 1, a nucleic acid encoding human transthyretin, and demonstrate at least 60% inhibition of a transthyretin mRNA: ISIS NOs: 420954, 420904, 304286, 420874, 420948, 420883, 420955, 420952, 420956, 420957, 420882, 420947, 420950, 304312, 304307, 420879, 420910, 420902, 420908, 420924, 420877, 420880, 304309, 304289, 420906, 304311, 420878, 420911, 304284, 304288, 420909, 304296, 420949, 304290, 304299, 420898, 420920, 420925, 420951, 304287, 420894, 420916, 420918, 420926, 304285, 420919, 420923, 420886, 420900, 420912, 420915, 420917, 420921, 420884, 420885, 420887, 420889, 420892, 420901, 420914, 420897, 420899, 420888, 420895, 420896, 420913, 420922, 420893, 420890, or 420891.

In certain embodiments, the following antisense compounds target a region of a SEQ ID NO: 1, a nucleic acid encoding human transthyretin and demonstrate at least 65% inhibition of a transthyretin mRNA: ISIS NOs: 420955, 420952, 420956, 420957, 420882, 420947, 420950, 304312, 304307, 420879, 420910, 420902, 420908, 420924, 420877, 420880, 304309, 304289, 420906, 304311, 420878, 420911, 304284, 304288, 420909, 304296, 420949, 304290, 304299, 420898, 420920, 420925, 420951, 304287, 420894, 420916, 420918, 420926, 304285, 420919, 420923, 420886, 420900, 420912, 420915, 420917, 420921, 420884, 420885, 420887, 420889, 420892, 420901, 420914, 420897, 420899, 420888, 420895, 420896, 420913, 420922, 420893, 420890, or 420891.

In certain embodiments, the following antisense compounds target a region of a SEQ ID NO: 1, a nucleic acid encoding human transthyretin and demonstrate at least 70% inhibition of a transthyretin mRNA: ISIS NOs: 304312, 304307, 420879, 420910, 420902, 420908, 420924, 420877, 420880, 304309, 304289, 420906, 304311, 420878, 420911, 304284, 304288, 420909, 304296, 420949, 304290, 304299, 420898, 420920, 420925, 420951, 304287, 420894, 420916, 420918, 420926, 304285, 420919, 420923, 420886, 420900, 420912, 420915, 420917, 420921, 420884, 420885, 420887, 420889, 420892, 420901, 420914, 420897, 420899, 420888, 420895, 420896, 420913, 420922, 420893, 420890, or 420891.

In certain embodiments, the following antisense compounds target a region of a SEQ ID NO: 1, a nucleic acid encoding human transthyretin and demonstrate at least 75% inhibition of a transthyretin mRNA: ISIS NOs: 420877, 420878, 420880, 304284, 304285, 420884, 420885, 420886, 420887, 420888, 420889, 420890, 420891, 304287, 420892, 304288, 420893, 304289, 304290, 420894, 420895, 420896, 420897, 420898, 420899, 420900, 420901, 420902, 420906, 420908, 304296, 420909, 420911, 420912, 420913, 420914, 304299, 420915, 420916, 420917, 420918, 420919, 420920, 420921, 420922, 420923, 420924, 420925, 420926, 304309, 420949, 420951, or 304311.

In certain embodiments, the following antisense compounds target a region of a SEQ ID NO: 1, a nucleic acid encoding human transthyretin and demonstrate at least 80% inhibition of a transthyretin mRNA: ISIS NOs: 304311, 420878, 420911, 304284, 304288, 420909, 304296, 420949, 304290, 304299, 420898, 420920, 420925, 420951, 304287, 420894, 420916, 420918, 420926, 304285, 420919, 420923, 420886, 420900, 420912, 420915, 420917, 420921, 420884, 420885, 420887, 420889, 420892, 420901, 420914, 420897, 420899, 420888, 420895, 420896, 420913, 420922, 420893, 420890, or 42089.

In certain embodiments, the following antisense compounds target a region of a SEQ ID NO: 1, a nucleic acid encoding human transthyretin and demonstrate at least 85% inhibition of a transthyretin mRNA: ISIS NOs: 304290, 304299, 420898, 420920, 420925, 420951, 304287, 420894, 420916, 420918, 420926, 304285, 420919, 420923, 420886, 420900, 420912, 420915, 420917, 420921, 420884, 420885, 420887, 420889, 420892, 420901, 420914, 420897, 420899, 420888, 420895, 420896, 420913, 420922, 420893, 420890, or 420891.

In certain embodiments, the following antisense compounds target a region of a SEQ ID NO: 1, a nucleic acid encoding human transthyretin and demonstrate at least 90% inhibition of a transthyretin mRNA: ISIS NOs: 420923, 420886, 420900, 420912, 420915, 420917, 420921, 420884, 420885, 420887, 420889, 420892, 420901, 420914, 420897, 420899, 420888, 420895, 420896, 420913, 420922, 420893, 420890, or 420891.

In certain embodiments, the following antisense compounds target a region of a SEQ ID NO: 1, a nucleic acid encoding human transthyretin and demonstrate at least 95% inhibition of a transthyretin mRNA: ISIS NOs: 420888, 420895, 420896, 420913, 420922, 420893, 420890, or 420891.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 120-139 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 120-139 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 37. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 120-139 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NO: 420872.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 212-236 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 212-236 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 38. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 212-236 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420873 or 304267.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 226-245 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 226-245 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 39. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 226-245 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NO: 420874.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 293-381 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 293-381 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 10, 42-48. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 293-381 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420877, 420878, 420879, 420880, 304280, 420881, 420882, or 420883.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 293-366 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 293-366 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 42-45. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 293-366 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420877, 420878, 420879, or 420880.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 353-381 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 353-381 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 10, 46-48. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 353-381 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 304280, 420881, 420882, or 420883.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 293-468 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 293-468 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 10-18, 42-63. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 293-468 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420877, 420878, 420879, 420880, 304280, 420881, 420882, 420883, 304284, 304285, 420884, 420885, 304286, 420886, 420887, 420888, 420889, 420890, 420891, 304287, 420892, 304288, 420893, 304289, 304290, 420894, 420895, 420896, 420897, 420898, or 304291.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 425-468 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 425-468 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 11-18, 49-63. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 425-468 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 304284, 304285, 420884, 420885, 304286, 420886, 420887, 420888, 420889, 420890, 420891, 304287, 420892, 304288, 420893, 304289, 304290, 420894, 420895, 420896, 420897, 420898, or 304291.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 425-467 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 425-468 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 11-17, 49-63. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 425-468 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 304284, 304285, 420884, 420885, 304286, 420886, 420887, 420888, 420889, 420890, 420891, 304287, 420892, 304288, 420893, 304289, 304290, 420894, 420895, 420896, 420897, or 420898.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 452-476 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 452-476 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 64-69. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 452-476 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420889, 420890, 420891, 304287, 420892, 304288, 420893, 304289, 304290, 420894, 420895, 420896, 420897, 420898, 304291, 304292, 304293, 420899, 420900, 420901, 420902, 420903, or 420904.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 461-481 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 461-481 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 72-73. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 461-481 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420907 or 420908.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 461-500 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 461-500 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 72 and 73. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 461-500 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420907, 420908 or 304296.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 500-519 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 500-519 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 74. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 500-519 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NO: 420909.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 461-519 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 461-519 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 72-74. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 461-519 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420907, 420908, 304296, or 420909.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 502-531 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 502-531 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 25, 75-84. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 502-531 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420910, 420911, 420912, 420913, 420914, 304299, 420915, 420916, 420917, 420918, or 420919.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 502-539 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 502-539 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 25, 26, 75-91. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 502-539 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420910, 420911, 420912, 420913, 420914, 304299, 420915, 420916, 420917, 420918, 420919, 304300, 420920, 420921, 420922, 420923, 420924, 420925, or 420926.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 504-536 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 504-536 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 25, 26, 77-88. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 504-536 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420912, 420913, 420914, 304299, 420915, 420916, 420917, 420918, 420919, 304300, 420920, 420921, 420922, or 420923.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 505-535 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 505-535 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 25, 26, 78-87. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 505-535 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420913, 420914, 304299, 420915, 420916, 420917, 420918, 420919, 304300, 420920, 420921, or 420922.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 506-530 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 506-530 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 25, 79-83. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 506-530 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420913, 420914, 304299, 420915, 420916, 420917, 420918, or 420919.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 507-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 507-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 25 or 80. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 507-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NO: 304299 or 420915.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 80. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NO: 420915.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 514-540 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 514-540 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 85-92. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 514-540 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420920, 420921, 420922, 420923, 420924, 420925, 420926, or 420927.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 523-542 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 523-542 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 94. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 523-542 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NO: 420929.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 544-606 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 544-606 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 30-33, 112-122. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 544-606 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420947, 420948, 304304, 304307, 304308, 304309, 420949, 420950, 420951, 420952, 420953, 420954, 420955, 420956, or 420957.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 544-564 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 544-564 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 112-113. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 544-564 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420947 or 420948.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 544-583 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 544-583 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 112, and 113. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 544-583 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 420947, 420948, 304304, or 304307.

In certain embodiments, a target region is nucleotides 597-617 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound is targeted to nucleotides 597-617 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprises a nucleobase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 34-35. In certain such embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to nucleotides 597-617 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is selected from ISIS NOs: 304311 or 304312.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide consists of a single-stranded modified oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide consists of 20 linked nucleosides.

In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide is at least 90% complementary over its entire length to a nucleobase sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, or 4. In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide is at least 95% complementary over its entire length to a nucleobase sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, or 4. In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide is at least 99% complementary over its entire length to SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, or 4. In certain embodiments, the nucleobase sequence of the modified oligonucleotide is 100% complementary over its entire length to a nucleobase sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, or 4.

In certain embodiments, the compound has at least one modified internucleoside linkage. In certain embodiments, the internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

In certain embodiments, the compound has at least one nucleoside comprising a modified sugar. In certain embodiments, the at least one modified sugar is a bicyclic sugar. In certain embodiments, the at least one bicyclic sugar comprises a 4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′ bridge. In certain embodiments, the at least one modified sugar comprises a 2′-O-methoxyethyl.

In certain embodiments, the compound comprises at least one at least one tetrahydropyran modified nucleoside wherein a tetrahydropyran ring replaces the furanose ring. In certain embodiments, the at least one tetrahydropyran modified nucleoside has the structure:

wherein Bx is an optionally protected heterocyclic base moiety.

In certain embodiments, the compound has at least one nucleoside comprising a modified nucleobase. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleobase is a 5-methylcytosine.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide of the compound comprises:

(i) a gap segment consisting of linked deoxynucleosides;

(ii) a 5′ wing segment consisting of linked nucleosides;

(iii) a 3′ wing segment consisting of linked nucleosides, wherein the gap segment is positioned between the 5′ wing segment and the 3′ wing segment and wherein each nucleoside of each wing segment comprises a modified sugar.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide of the compound comprises:

(i) a gap segment consisting of ten linked deoxynucleosides;

(ii) a 5′ wing segment consisting of five linked nucleosides;

(iii) a 3′ wing segment consisting of five linked nucleosides, wherein the gap segment is positioned immediately adjacent to and between the 5′ wing segment and the 3′ wing segment, wherein each nucleoside of each wing segment comprises a 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar; and wherein each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide of the compound comprises:

(i) a gap segment consisting of eight linked deoxynucleosides;

(ii) a 5′ wing segment consisting of six linked nucleosides;

(iii) a 3′ wing segment consisting of six linked nucleosides, wherein the gap segment is positioned immediately adjacent to and between the 5′ wing segment and the 3′ wing segment, wherein each nucleoside of each wing segment comprises a 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar; and wherein each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide of the compound comprises:

(i) a gap segment consisting of eight linked deoxynucleosides;

(ii) a 5′ wing segment consisting of five linked nucleosides;

(iii) a 3′ wing segment consisting of five linked nucleosides, wherein the gap segment is positioned immediately adjacent to and between the 5′ wing segment and the 3′ wing segment, wherein each nucleoside of each wing segment comprises a 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar; and wherein each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide of the compound comprises:

(i) a gap segment consisting of ten linked deoxynucleosides;

(ii) a 5′ wing segment consisting of five linked nucleosides;

(iii) a 3′ wing segment consisting of five linked nucleosides, wherein the gap segment is positioned immediately adjacent to and between the 5′ wing segment and the 3′ wing segment, wherein each nucleoside of each wing segment comprises a 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar; and wherein each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage; and wherein the nucleobase sequence comprises at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

In certain embodiments, the modified oligonucleotide of the compound comprises:

(i) a gap segment consisting of ten linked deoxynucleosides;

(ii) a 5′ wing segment consisting of five linked nucleosides;

(iii) a 3′ wing segment consisting of five linked nucleosides, wherein the gap segment is positioned immediately adjacent to and between the 5′ wing segment and the 3′ wing segment, wherein each nucleoside of each wing segment comprises a 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar; and wherein each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage; and wherein the nucleobase sequence is recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

Certain embodiments provide a composition comprising a compound as described herein, or a salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124 or a salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Certain embodiments provide a composition comprising a compound as described herein, or a salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NO: 80 or a salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Certain embodiments provide a composition comprising a compound as described herein, wherein the viscosity level is less than 40 cP. In certain embodiments, the composition has a viscosity level less than 15 cP. In certain embodiments, the composition has a viscosity level less than 12 cP. In certain embodiments, the composition has a viscosity level less than 10 cP.

Certain embodiments provide methods of treating, preventing, or ameliorating transthyretin amyloidosis.

Certain embodiments provide methods comprising administering to an animal a compound as described herein to an animal. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering to an animal a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124.

Certain embodiments provide methods comprising administering to an animal a compound as described herein to an animal. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering to an animal a compound or modified oligonucleotide consisting 12 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least an 8 contiguous nucleobase portion complementary to an equal length portion within the region selected from nucleotides 501-535 or 580-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Certain embodiments provide methods comprising administering to an animal a compound as described herein to an animal. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering to an animal a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80.

Certain embodiments provide methods comprising administering to an animal a compound as described herein to an animal. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering to an animal a compound or modified oligonucleotide consisting 12 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein the linked nucleosides comprise at least an 8 contiguous nucleobase portion complementary to an equal length portion within the region selected from nucleotides 508-527 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the animal is a human.

In certain embodiments, the administering prevents, treats, ameliorates, or slows progression of transthyretin amyloidosis as described herein.

In certain embodiments, the compound is co-administered with a second agent.

In certain embodiments, the compound and the second agent are administered concomitantly.

In certain embodiments, the administering is parenteral administration. In certain embodiments, the parenteral administration is subcutaneous administration. In certain embodiments, the formulation for administering is the compound in saline. In certain embodiments, the compound comprises a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 12 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence selected from among the nucleobase sequences recited in SEQ ID NOs: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122, and 124 or a salt thereof and saline. In certain embodiments, the formulation does not include any stabilizing agents or additional stabilizing agents including lipid agents.

In certain embodiments, the administering is parenteral administration. In certain embodiments, the parenteral administration is intracranial administration. In certain embodiments, the intracranial administration is intracerebral, intrathecal, intraventricular, ventricular, intracerebroventricular, cerebral intraventricular or cerebral ventricular administration.

Certain embodiments further provide a method to reduce transthyretin mRNA or protein expression in an animal comprising administering to the animal a compound or composition as described herein to reduce transthyretin mRNA or protein expression in the animal. In certain embodiments, the animal is a human. In certain embodiments, reducing transthyretin mRNA or protein expression prevents, treats, ameliorates, or slows progression of transthyretin amyloidosis.

Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a human with a transthyretin related disease comprising identifying the human with the disease and administering to the human a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or composition as described herein. In certain embodiments, the treatment reduces a symptom selected from the group consisting of restlessness, lack of coordination, nystagmus, spastic paraparesis, lack of muscle coordination, impaired vision, insomnia, unusual sensations, myoclonus, blindness, loss of speech, Carpal tunnel syndrome, seizures, subarachnoid hemorrhages, stroke and bleeding in the brain, hydrocephalus, ataxia, and spastic paralysis, coma, sensory neuropathy, parathesia, hypesthesia, motor neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, cyclic constipation, cyclic diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, reduced sweating, impotence, delayed gastric emptying, urinary retention, urinary incontinence, progressive cardiopathy, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, lack of appetite, numbness, tingling, weakness, enlarged tongue, nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure, dyspnea on exertion, peripheral edema, arrhythmias, palpitations, light-headedness, syncope, postural hypotension, peripheral nerve problems, sensory motor impairment, lower limb neuropathy, upper limb neuropathy, hyperalgesia, altered temperature sensation, lower extremity weakness, cachexia, peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, purpura, diastolic dysfunction, premature ventricular contractions, cranial neuropathy, diminished deep tendon reflexes, amyloid deposits in the corpus vitreum, vitreous opacity, dry eyes, glaucoma, scalloped appearance in the pupils, swelling of the feet due to water retention. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a cognitive symptom selected from the group consisting of impaired memory, impaired judgment, and thinking, impaired planning, impaired flexibility, impaired abstract thinking, impaired rule acquisition, impaired initiation of appropriate actions, impaired inhibition of inappropriate actions, impaired short-term memory, impaired long-term memory, paranoia, disorientation, confusion, hallucination and dementia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a psychiatric symptom selected from the group consisting of dementia; anxiety, depression, blunted affect, egocentrisms, aggression, compulsive behavior, irritability, personality changes, including, impaired memory, judgment, and thinking and suicidal ideation.

Further embodiments provide a method of treating a human with transthyretin amyloidosis leading to cardiac amyloidosis and administering to the human a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or composition as described herein. In certain embodiments, the treatment reduces a symptom selected from the group consisting of congestive heart failure, cardiomegaly, dyspnea on exertion, peripheral edema, arrhythmias, palpitations, lightheadedness, syncope, deposition in the subendothelium of the peripheral vasculature can lead to severe postural hypotension, diastolic dysfunction, heart block, premature ventricular contractions, and various tachyarrhythmias.

Further embodiments provide a method of treating a human with transthyretin amyloidosis leading to peripheral neuropathic disorders and administering to the human a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or composition as described herein. In certain embodiments, the treatment reduces a symptom selected from the group consisting of peripheral nerve problems, sensorimotor impairment, lower-limb neuropathy, upper-limb neuropathy, hyperalgesia, altered temperature sensation, lower extremity weakness, pain, autonomic dysfunction, often manifested as sexual or urinary dysfunction, symmetric sensory impairment and weakness, orthostatic hypotension, diarrhea, and/or impotence.

Further embodiments provide a method of treating a human with transthyretin amyloidosis leading to gastrointestinal disorders and administering to the human a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or composition a described herein. In certain embodiments, the treatment reduces a symptom selected from the group consisting of diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and related kidney and liver disorders.

Further provided is a method for reducing or preventing transthyretin amyloidosis comprising administering to a human a therapeutically effective amount compound or composition as described herein, thereby reducing or preventing transthyretin amyloidosis.

Further provided is a method for reducing or preventing a cardiac disease comprising administering to a human a therapeutically effective amount compound or composition as described herein, thereby reducing or preventing a cardiac disease. Further provided is a method for reducing or preventing a neuropathic disease comprising administering to a human a therapeutically effective amount compound or composition as described herein, thereby reducing or preventing a neuropathic disease. Further provided is a method for reducing or preventing a gastrointestinal disease comprising administering to a human a therapeutically effective amount compound or composition as described herein, thereby reducing or preventing a gastrointestinal disease.

Further provided is a method for ameliorating a symptom of transthyretin amyloidosis, comprising administering to a human in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein said modified oligonucleotide specifically hybridizes to SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, or 4, thereby ameliorating a symptom of transthyretin amyloidosis in the human.

Further provided is a method for reducing the rate of progression of a symptom associated with transthyretin amyloidosis, comprising administering to a human in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein said modified oligonucleotide specifically hybridizes to SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, or 4, thereby reducing the rate of progression a symptom of transthyretin amyloidosis in the human.

Further provided is a method for reversing degeneration indicated by a symptom associated with a transthyretin amyloidosis, administering to a human in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides, wherein said modified oligonucleotide specifically hybridizes to SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, or 4, thereby reversing degeneration indicated by a symptom of transthyretin amyloid disease in the human.

Further provided is a method for ameliorating a symptom of transthyretin amyloidosis, comprising administering to a human in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80, thereby ameliorating a symptom of transthyretin amyloidosis in the human.

Further embodiments provide a method of treating a human with transthyretin amyloidosis, administering to a human in need thereof a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 30 linked nucleosides and having a nucleobase sequence comprising at least 8 contiguous nucleobases of a nucleobase sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 80, thereby treating transthyretin amyloidosis in a human.

In certain embodiments, the symptom is a physical, cognitive, psychiatric, or peripheral symptom. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a physical symptom selected from the group consisting of restlessness, lack of coordination, nystagmus, spastic paraparesis, lack of muscle coordination, impaired vision, insomnia, unusual sensations, myoclonus, blindness, loss of speech, Carpal tunnel syndrome, seizures, subarachnoid hemorrhages, stroke and bleeding in the brain, hydrocephalus, ataxia, and spastic paralysis, coma, sensory neuropathy, parathesia, hypesthesia, motor neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, cyclic constipation, cyclic diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, reduced sweating, impotence, delayed gastric emptying, urinary retention, urinary incontinence, progressive cardiopathy, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, lack of appetite, numbness, tingling, weakness, enlarged tongue, nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure, dyspnea on exertion, peripheral edema, arrhythmias, palpitations, light-headedness, syncope, postural hypotension, peripheral nerve problems, sensory motor impairment, lower limb neuropathy, upper limb neuropathy, hyperalgesia, altered temperature sensation, lower extremity weakness, cachexia, peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, purpura, diastolic dysfunction, premature ventricular contractions, cranial neuropathy, diminished deep tendon reflexes, amyloid deposits in the corpus vitreum, vitreous opacity, dry eyes, glaucoma, scalloped appearance in the pupils, swelling of the feet due to water retention. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a cognitive symptom selected from the group consisting of impaired memory, impaired judgment, and thinking, impaired planning, impaired flexibility, impaired abstract thinking, impaired rule acquisition, impaired initiation of appropriate actions, impaired inhibition of inappropriate actions, impaired short-term memory, impaired long-term memory, paranoia, disorientation, confusion, hallucination and dementia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a psychiatric symptom selected from the group consisting of dementia; anxiety, depression, blunted affect, egocentrisms, aggression, compulsive behavior, irritability, personality changes, including, impaired memory, judgment, and thinking and suicidal ideation.

In certain embodiments the symptom is at least one of at least one physical symptom, at least one cognitive symptom, at least one psychiatric symptom, and at least one peripheral symptom.

In certain embodiments the physical symptom is selected from the group consisting of restlessness, lack of coordination, unintentionally initiated motions, unintentionally uncompleted motions, unsteady gait, chorea, rigidity, writhing motions, abnormal posturing, instability, abnormal facial expressions, difficulty chewing, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, seizure, and sleep disturbances.

In certain embodiments the cognitive symptom is selected from the group consisting of impaired memory, impaired judgment, and thinking, impaired planning, impaired flexibility, impaired abstract thinking, impaired rule acquisition, impaired initiation of appropriate actions, impaired inhibition of inappropriate actions, impaired short-term memory, impaired long-term memory, paranoia, disorientation, confusion, hallucination and dementia.

In certain embodiments the psychiatric symptom is selected from the group consisting of dementia; anxiety, depression, blunted affect, egocentrisms, aggression, compulsive behavior, irritability, personality changes, including, impaired memory, judgment, and thinking and suicidal ideation.

In certain embodiments the peripheral symptom is selected from the group consisting of reduced brain mass, muscle atrophy, cardiac failure, impaired glucose tolerance, weight loss, osteoporosis, and testicular atrophy.

Also provided are methods and compounds for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a central nervous system related disease.

Certain embodiments provide the use of a compound as described herein in the manufacture of a medicament for treating, ameliorating, or preventing a transthyretin amyloidosis.

Certain embodiments provide a compound as described herein for use in treating, preventing, or ameliorating transthyretin amyloidosis as described herein by combination therapy with an additional agent or therapy as described herein. Agents or therapies can be co-administered or administered concomitantly.

Certain embodiments provide the use of a compound as described herein in the manufacture of a medicament for treating, preventing, or ameliorating transthyretin amyloidosis as described herein by combination therapy with an additional agent or therapy as described herein. Agents or therapies can be co-administered or administered concomitantly.

Certain embodiments provide the use of a compound as described herein in the manufacture of a medicament for treating, preventing, or ameliorating transthyretin amyloidosis as described herein in a patient who is subsequently administered an additional agent or therapy as described herein.

Certain embodiments provide a kit for treating, preventing, or ameliorating transthyretin amyloidosis as described herein wherein the kit comprises:

(i) a compound as described herein; and alternatively

(ii) an additional agent or therapy as described herein.

A kit as described herein may further include instructions for using the kit to treat, prevent, or ameliorate transthyretin amyloidosis as described herein by combination therapy as described herein.

Antisense Compounds

Oligomeric compounds include, but are not limited to, oligonucleotides, oligonucleosides, oligonucleotide analogs, oligonucleotide mimetics, antisense compounds, antisense oligonucleotides, and siRNAs. An oligomeric compound may be “antisense” to a target nucleic acid, meaning that is capable of undergoing hybridization to a target nucleic acid through hydrogen bonding.

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound has a nucleobase sequence that, when written in the 5′ to 3′ direction, comprises the reverse complement of the target segment of a target nucleic acid to which it is targeted. In certain such embodiments, an antisense oligonucleotide has a nucleobase sequence that, when written in the 5′ to 3′ direction, comprises the reverse complement of the target segment of a target nucleic acid to which it is targeted.

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid is 12 to 30 nucleotides in length. In other words, antisense compounds are from 12 to 30 linked nucleobases. In other embodiments, the antisense compound comprises a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8 to 80, 12 to 50, 12 to 30, 15 to 30, 18 to 24, 18 to 21, 19 to 22, or 20 linked nucleobases. In certain such embodiments, the antisense compound comprises a modified oligonucleotide consisting of 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or 80 linked nucleobases in length, or a range defined by any two of the above values.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compound comprises a shortened or truncated modified oligonucleotide. The shortened or truncated modified oligonucleotide can have a single nucleoside deleted from the 5′ end (5′ truncation), or alternatively from the 3′ end (3′ truncation). A shortened or truncated oligonucleotide may have two nucleosides deleted from the 5′ end, or alternatively may have two subunits deleted from the 3′ end. Alternatively, the deleted nucleosides may be dispersed throughout the modified oligonucleotide, for example, in an antisense compound having one nucleoside deleted from the 5′ end and one nucleoside deleted from the 3′ end.

When a single additional nucleoside is present in a lengthened oligonucleotide, the additional nucleoside may be located at the 5′ or 3′ end of the oligonucleotide. When two or more additional nucleosides are present, the added nucleosides may be adjacent to each other, for example, in an oligonucleotide having two nucleosides added to the 5′ end (5′ addition), or alternatively to the 3′ end (3′ addition), of the oligonucleotide. Alternatively, the added nucleoside may be dispersed throughout the antisense compound, for example, in an oligonucleotide having one nucleoside added to the 5′ end and one subunit added to the 3′ end.

It is possible to increase or decrease the length of an antisense compound, such as an antisense oligonucleotide, and/or introduce mismatch bases without eliminating activity. For example, in Woolf et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:7305-7309, 1992), a series of antisense oligonucleotides 13-25 nucleobases in length were tested for their ability to induce cleavage of a target RNA in an oocyte injection model. Antisense oligonucleotides 25 nucleobases in length with 8 or 11 mismatch bases near the ends of the antisense oligonucleotides were able to direct specific cleavage of the target mRNA, albeit to a lesser extent than the antisense oligonucleotides that contained no mismatches. Similarly, target specific cleavage was achieved using 13 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides, including those with 1 or 3 mismatches.

Gautschi et al (J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 93:463-471, March 2001) demonstrated the ability of an oligonucleotide having 100% complementarity to the bcl-2 mRNA and having 3 mismatches to the bcl-xL mRNA to reduce the expression of both bcl-2 and bcl-xL in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, this oligonucleotide demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity in vivo.

Maher and Dolnick (Nuc. Acid. Res. 16:3341-3358, 1988) tested a series of tandem 14 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides, and a 28 and 42 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides comprised of the sequence of two or three of the tandem antisense oligonucleotides, respectively, for their ability to arrest translation of human DHFR in a rabbit reticulocyte assay. Each of the three 14 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides alone was able to inhibit translation, albeit at a more modest level than the 28 or 42 nucleobase antisense oligonucleotides.

Antisense Compound Motifs

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid have chemically modified subunits arranged in patterns, or motifs, to confer to the antisense compounds properties such as enhanced the inhibitory activity, increased binding affinity for a target nucleic acid, or resistance to degradation by in vivo nucleases.

Chimeric antisense compounds typically contain at least one region modified so as to confer increased resistance to nuclease degradation, increased cellular uptake, increased binding affinity for the target nucleic acid, and/or increased inhibitory activity. A second region of a chimeric antisense compound may optionally serve as a substrate for the cellular endonuclease RNase H, which cleaves the RNA strand of an RNA:DNA duplex.

Antisense compounds having a gapmer motif are considered chimeric antisense compounds. In a gapmer an internal region having a plurality of nucleotides or linked nucleosides that supports RNaseH cleavage is positioned between external regions having a plurality of nucleotides or linked nucleosides that are chemically distinct from the nucleotides or linked nucleosides of the internal region. In the case of an antisense oligonucleotide having a gapmer motif, the gap segment generally serves as the substrate for endonuclease cleavage, while the wing segments comprise modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the regions of a gapmer are differentiated by the types of sugar moieties comprising each distinct region. The types of sugar moieties that are used to differentiate the regions of a gapmer may in some embodiments include β-D-ribonucleosides, β-D-deoxyribonucleosides, 2′-modified nucleosides (such 2′-modified nucleosides may include 2′-MOE, and 2′-O—CH₃, among others), and bicyclic sugar modified nucleosides (such bicyclic sugar modified nucleosides may include those having a 4′-(CH2)n-O-2′ bridge, where n=1 or n=2). Preferably, each distinct region comprises uniform sugar moieties. The wing-gap-wing motif is frequently described as “X—Y—Z”, where “X” represents the length of the 5′ wing region, “Y” represents the length of the gap region, and “Z” represents the length of the 3′ wing region. As used herein, a gapmer described as “X—Y—Z” has a configuration such that the gap segment is positioned immediately adjacent each of the 5′ wing segment and the 3′ wing segment. Thus, no intervening nucleotides exist between the 5′ wing segment and gap segment, or the gap segment and the 3′ wing segment. Any of the antisense compounds described herein can have a gapmer motif. In some embodiments, X and Z are the same, in other embodiments they are different. In a preferred embodiment, Y is between 8 and 15 nucleotides. X, Y or Z can be any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30 or more nucleotides. Thus, gapmers include, but are not limited to, for example 5-10-5, 4-8-4, 4-12-3, 4-12-4, 3-14-3, 2-13-5, 2-16-2, 1-18-1, 3-10-3, 2-10-2, 1-10-1, 2-8-2, 6-8-6 or 5-8-5.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compound as a “wingmer” motif, having a wing-gap or gap-wing configuration, i.e. an X—Y or Y—Z configuration as described above for the gapmer configuration. Thus, wingmer configurations include, but are not limited to, for example 5-10, 8-4, 4-12, 12-4, 3-14, 16-2, 18-1, 10-3, 2-10, 1-10, 8-2, 2-13, or 5-13.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid possess a 5-10-5 gapmer motif.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid possess a 6-8-6 gapmer motif.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid possess a 5-8-5 gapmer motif.

In certain embodiments, an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid has a gap-widened motif.

In certain embodiments, a gap-widened antisense oligonucleotide targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid has a gap segment of ten 2′-deoxyribonucleotides positioned immediately adjacent to and between wing segments of five chemically modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the chemical modification comprises a 2′-sugar modification. In another embodiment, the chemical modification comprises a 2′-MOE sugar modification.

In certain embodiments, a gap-widened antisense oligonucleotide targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid has a gap segment of eight 2′-deoxyribonucleotides positioned immediately adjacent to and between wing segments of five chemically modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the chemical modification comprises a 2′-sugar modification. In another embodiment, the chemical modification comprises a 2′-MOE sugar modification.

In certain embodiments, a gap-widened antisense oligonucleotide targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid has a gap segment of eight 2′-deoxyribonucleotides positioned immediately adjacent to and between wing segments of six chemically modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the chemical modification comprises a 2′-sugar modification. In another embodiment, the chemical modification comprises a 2′-MOE sugar modification.

Target Nucleic Acids, Target Regions and Nucleotide Sequences

In certain embodiments, the transthyretin nucleic acid is any of the sequences set forth in GENBANK Accession No. NM_(—)000371.2, first deposited with GENBANK® on Feb. 13, 2008 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 1), GENBANK Accession No. NT_(—)010966.10 truncated from nucleotides 2009236 to 2017289, first deposited with GENBANK® on Aug. 1, 2002 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 2); exons 1-4 extracted from the rhesus monkey genomic sequence GENBANK Accession No. NW_(—)001105671.1, based on similarity to human exons; and GENBANK Accession No. NW_(—)001105671.1 truncated from nucleotides 628000 to 638000 (incorporated herein as SEQ ID NO: 4), first deposited with GENBANK® on Mar. 28, 2006.

It is understood that the sequence set forth in each SEQ ID NO in the Examples contained herein is independent of any modification to a sugar moiety, an internucleoside linkage, or a nucleobase. As such, antisense compounds defined by a SEQ ID NO may comprise, independently, one or more modifications to a sugar moiety, an internucleoside linkage, or a nucleobase. Antisense compounds described by Isis Number (Isis No) or ISIS NO indicate a combination of nucleobase sequence and motif.

In certain embodiments, a target region is a structurally defined region of the target nucleic acid. For example, a target region may encompass a 3′ UTR, a 5′ UTR, an exon, an intron, an exon/intron junction, a coding region, a translation initiation region, translation termination region, or other defined nucleic acid region. The structurally defined regions for transthyretin can be obtained by accession number from sequence databases such as NCBI and such information is incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, a target region may encompass the sequence from a 5′ target site of one target segment within the target region to a 3′ target site of another target segment within the target region.

Targeting includes determination of at least one target segment to which an antisense compound hybridizes, such that a desired effect occurs. In certain embodiments, the desired effect is a reduction in mRNA target nucleic acid levels. In certain embodiments, the desired effect is reduction of levels of protein encoded by the target nucleic acid or a phenotypic change associated with the target nucleic acid.

A target region may contain one or more target segments. Multiple target segments within a target region may be overlapping. Alternatively, they may be non-overlapping. In certain embodiments, target segments within a target region are separated by no more than about 300 nucleotides. In certain embodiments, target segments within a target region are separated by a number of nucleotides that is, is about, is no more than, is no more than about, 250, 200, 150, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10 nucleotides on the target nucleic acid, or is a range defined by any two of the preceding values. In certain embodiments, target segments within a target region are separated by no more than, or no more than about, 5 nucleotides on the target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, target segments are contiguous. Contemplated are target regions defined by a range having a starting nucleic acid that is any of the 5′ target sites or 3′ target sites listed herein.

Suitable target segments may be found within a 5′ UTR, a coding region, a 3′ UTR, an intron, an exon, or an exon/intron junction. Target segments containing a start codon or a stop codon are also suitable target segments. A suitable target segment may specifically exclude a certain structurally defined region such as the start codon or stop codon.

The determination of suitable target segments may include a comparison of the sequence of a target nucleic acid to other sequences throughout the genome. For example, the BLAST algorithm may be used to identify regions of similarity amongst different nucleic acids. This comparison can prevent the selection of antisense compound sequences that may hybridize in a non-specific manner to sequences other than a selected target nucleic acid (i.e., non-target or off-target sequences).

There may be variation in activity (e.g., as defined by percent reduction of target nucleic acid levels) of the antisense compounds within an active target region. In certain embodiments, reductions in transthyretin mRNA levels are indicative of inhibition of transthyretin expression. Reductions in levels of a transthyretin protein are also indicative of inhibition of target mRNA expression. Further, phenotypic changes are indicative of inhibition of transthyretin expression. For example, increase in brain size to normal, improvement in motor coordination, decrease in continual muscular spasms (dystonia), decrease in irritability and/or anxiety, improvement of memory, or an increase in energy, among other phenotypic changes that may be assayed. Other phenotypic indications, e.g., symptoms associated with transthyretin amyloidosis, may also be assessed as described below.

Hybridization

In some embodiments, hybridization occurs between an antisense compound disclosed herein and a transthyretin nucleic acid. The most common mechanism of hybridization involves hydrogen bonding (e.g., Watson-Crick, Hoogsteen or reversed Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding) between complementary nucleobases of the nucleic acid molecules.

Hybridization can occur under varying conditions. Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and are determined by the nature and composition of the nucleic acid molecules to be hybridized.

Methods of determining whether a sequence is specifically hybridizable to a target nucleic acid are well known in the art. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein are specifically hybridizable with a transthyretin nucleic acid.

Complementarity

An antisense compound and a target nucleic acid are complementary to each other when a sufficient number of nucleobases of the antisense compound can hydrogen bond with the corresponding nucleobases of the target nucleic acid, such that a desired effect will occur (e.g., antisense inhibition of a target nucleic acid, such as a transthyretin nucleic acid).

An antisense compound may hybridize over one or more segments of a transthyretin nucleic acid such that intervening or adjacent segments are not involved in the hybridization event (e.g., a loop structure, mismatch or hairpin structure).

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein, or a specified portion thereof, are, or are at least, 70%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid, a target region, target segment, or specified portion thereof. Percent complementarity of an antisense compound with a target nucleic acid can be determined using routine methods.

For example, an antisense compound in which 18 of 20 nucleobases of the antisense compound are complementary to a target region, and would therefore specifically hybridize, would represent 90 percent complementarity. In this example, the remaining noncomplementary nucleobases may be clustered or interspersed with complementary nucleobases and need not be contiguous to each other or to complementary nucleobases. As such, an antisense compound which is 18 nucleobases in length having 4 (four) noncomplementary nucleobases which are flanked by two regions of complete complementarity with the target nucleic acid would have 77.8% overall complementarity with the target nucleic acid and would thus fall within the scope of the present invention. Percent complementarity of an antisense compound with a region of a target nucleic acid can be determined routinely using BLAST programs (basic local alignment search tools) and PowerBLAST programs known in the art (Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol., 1990, 215, 403 410; Zhang and Madden, Genome Res., 1997, 7, 649 656). Percent homology, sequence identity or complementarity, can be determined by, for example, the Gap program (Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package, Version 8 for Unix, Genetics Computer Group, University Research Park, Madison Wis.), using default settings, which uses the algorithm of Smith and Waterman (Adv. Appl. Math., 1981, 2, 482 489).

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds provided herein, or specified portions thereof, are fully complementary (i.e. 100% complementary) to a target nucleic acid, or specified portion thereof. For example, antisense compound may be fully complementary to a transthyretin nucleic acid, or a target region, or a target segment or target sequence thereof. As used herein, “fully complementary” means each nucleobase of an antisense compound is capable of precise base pairing with the corresponding nucleobases of a target nucleic acid. For example, a 20 nucleobase antisense compound is fully complementary to a target sequence that is 400 nucleobases long, so long as there is a corresponding 20 nucleobase portion of the target nucleic acid that is fully complementary to the antisense compound. Fully complementary can also be used in reference to a specified portion of the first and/or the second nucleic acid. For example, a 20 nucleobase portion of a 30 nucleobase antisense compound can be “fully complementary” to a target sequence that is 400 nucleobases long. The 20 nucleobase portion of the 30 nucleobase oligonucleotide is fully complementary to the target sequence if the target sequence has a corresponding 20 nucleobase portion wherein each nucleobase is complementary to the 20 nucleobase portion of the antisense compound. At the same time, the entire 30 nucleobase antisense compound may or may not be fully complementary to the target sequence, depending on whether the remaining 10 nucleobases of the antisense compound are also complementary to the target sequence.

The location of a non-complementary nucleobase may be at the 5′ end or 3′ end of the antisense compound. Alternatively, the non-complementary nucleobase or nucleobases may be at an internal position of the antisense compound. When two or more non-complementary nucleobases are present, they may be contiguous (i.e. linked) or non-contiguous. In one embodiment, a non-complementary nucleobase is located in the wing segment of a gapmer antisense oligonucleotide.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds that are, or are up to 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 nucleobases in length comprise no more than 4, no more than 3, no more than 2, or no more than 1 non-complementary nucleobase(s) relative to a target nucleic acid, such as a transthyretin nucleic acid, or specified portion thereof.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds that are, or are up to 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 nucleobases in length comprise no more than 6, no more than 5, no more than 4, no more than 3, no more than 2, or no more than 1 non-complementary nucleobase(s) relative to a target nucleic acid, such as a transthyretin nucleic acid, or specified portion thereof.

The antisense compounds provided herein also include those which are complementary to a portion of a target nucleic acid. As used herein, “portion” refers to a defined number of contiguous (i.e. linked) nucleobases within a region or segment of a target nucleic acid. A “portion” can also refer to a defined number of contiguous nucleobases of an antisense compound. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, are complementary to at least an 8 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least a 12 nucleobase portion of a target segment. In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds are complementary to at least a 15 nucleobase portion of a target segment. Also contemplated are antisense compounds that are complementary to at least a 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more nucleobase portion of a target segment, or a range defined by any two of these values.

Identity

The antisense compounds provided herein may also have a defined percent identity to a particular nucleotide sequence, SEQ ID NO, or compound represented by a specific Isis number, or portion thereof. As used herein, an antisense compound is identical to the sequence disclosed herein if it has the same nucleobase pairing ability. For example, a RNA which contains uracil in place of thymidine in a disclosed DNA sequence would be considered identical to the DNA sequence since both uracil and thymidine pair with adenine. Shortened and lengthened versions of the antisense compounds described herein as well as compounds having non-identical bases relative to the antisense compounds provided herein also are contemplated. The non-identical bases may be adjacent to each other or dispersed throughout the antisense compound. Percent identity of an antisense compound is calculated according to the number of bases that have identical base pairing relative to the sequence to which it is being compared.

In certain embodiments, the antisense compounds, or portions thereof, are at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to one or more of the antisense compounds or SEQ ID NOs, or a portion thereof, disclosed herein.

Modifications

A nucleoside is a base-sugar combination. The nucleobase (also known as base) portion of the nucleoside is normally a heterocyclic base moiety. Nucleotides are nucleosides that further include a phosphate group covalently linked to the sugar portion of the nucleoside. For those nucleosides that include a pentofuranosyl sugar, the phosphate group can be linked to the 2′, 3′ or 5′ hydroxyl moiety of the sugar. Oligonucleotides are formed through the covalent linkage of adjacent nucleosides to one another, to form a linear polymeric oligonucleotide. Within the oligonucleotide structure, the phosphate groups are commonly referred to as forming the internucleoside linkages of the oligonucleotide.

Modifications to antisense compounds encompass substitutions or changes to internucleoside linkages, sugar moieties, or nucleobases. Modified antisense compounds are often preferred over native forms because of desirable properties such as, for example, enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for nucleic acid target, increased stability in the presence of nucleases, or increased inhibitory activity.

Chemically modified nucleosides may also be employed to increase the binding affinity of a shortened or truncated antisense oligonucleotide for its target nucleic acid. Consequently, comparable results can often be obtained with shorter antisense compounds that have such chemically modified nucleosides.

Modified Internucleoside Linkages

The naturally occurring internucleoside linkage of RNA and DNA is a 3′ to 5′ phosphodiester linkage. Antisense compounds having one or more modified, i.e. non-naturally occurring, internucleoside linkages are often selected over antisense compounds having naturally occurring internucleoside linkages because of desirable properties such as, for example, enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for target nucleic acids, and increased stability in the presence of nucleases.

Oligonucleotides having modified internucleoside linkages include internucleoside linkages that retain a phosphorus atom as well as internucleoside linkages that do not have a phosphorus atom. Representative phosphorus containing internucleoside linkages include, but are not limited to, phosphodiesters, phosphotriesters, methylphosphonates, phosphoramidate, and phosphorothioates. Methods of preparation of phosphorous-containing and non-phosphorous-containing linkages are well known.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprise one or more modified internucleoside linkages. In certain embodiments, the modified internucleoside linkages are phosphorothioate linkages. In certain embodiments, each internucleoside linkage of an antisense compound is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.

Modified Sugar Moieties

Antisense compounds of the invention can optionally contain one or more nucleosides wherein the sugar group has been modified. Such sugar modified nucleosides may impart enhanced nuclease stability, increased binding affinity, or some other beneficial biological property to the antisense compounds. In certain embodiments, nucleosides comprise chemically modified ribofuranose ring moieties. Examples of chemically modified ribofuranose rings include without limitation, addition of substitutent groups (including 5′ and 2′ substituent groups, bridging of non-geminal ring atoms to form bicyclic nucleic acids (BNA), replacement of the ribosyl ring oxygen atom with S, N(R), or C(R₁)(R₂) (R, R₁ and R₂ are each independently H, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl or a protecting group) and combinations thereof. Examples of chemically modified sugars include 2′-F-5′-methyl substituted nucleoside (see PCT International Application WO 2008/101157 Published on Aug. 21, 2008 for other disclosed 5′,2′-bis substituted nucleosides) or replacement of the ribosyl ring oxygen atom with S with further substitution at the 2′-position (see published U.S. Patent Application US2005-0130923, published on Jun. 16, 2005) or alternatively 5′-substitution of a BNA (see PCT International Application WO 2007/134181 Published on Nov. 22, 2007 wherein LNA is substituted with for example a 5′-methyl or a 5′-vinyl group).

Examples of nucleosides having modified sugar moieties include without limitation nucleosides comprising 5′-vinyl, 5′-methyl (R or S), 4′-S, 2′-F, 2′-OCH₃, 2′-OCH₂CH₃, 2′-OCH₂CH₂F and 2′-O(CH₂)₂OCH₃ substituent groups. The substituent at the 2′ position can also be selected from allyl, amino, azido, thio, O-allyl, O—C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, OCF₃, OCH₂F, O(CH₂)₂SCH₃, O(CH₂)₂—O—N(R_(m))(R_(n)), O—CH₂—C(═O)—N(R_(m))(R_(n)), and O—CH₂—C(═O)—N(R₁)—(CH₂)₂—N(R_(m))(R_(n)), where each R_(l), R_(m) and R_(n) is, independently, H or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₀ alkyl.

As used herein, “bicyclic nucleosides” refer to modified nucleosides comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety. Examples of bicyclic nucleosides include without limitation nucleosides comprising a bridge between the 4′ and the 2′ ribosyl ring atoms. In certain embodiments, antisense compounds provided herein include one or more bicyclic nucleosides comprising a 4′ to 2′ bridge. Examples of such 4′ to 2′ bridged bicyclic nucleosides, include but are not limited to one of the formulae: 4′-(CH₂)—O-2′ (LNA); 4′-(CH₂)—S-2; 4′-(CH₂)₂—O-2′ (ENA); 4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′ and 4′-CH(CH₂OCH₃)—O-2′ (and analogs thereof see U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,845, issued on Jul. 15, 2008); 4′-C(CH₃)(CH₃)—O-2′ (and analogs thereof see published International Application WO/2009/006478, published Jan. 8, 2009); 4′-CH₂—N(OCH₃)-2′ (and analogs thereof see published International Application WO/2008/150729, published Dec. 11, 2008); 4′-CH₂—O—N(CH₃)-2′ (see published U.S. Patent Application US2004-0171570, published Sep. 2, 2004); 4′-CH₂—N(R)—O-2′, wherein R is H, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or a protecting group (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,672, issued on Sep. 23, 2008); 4′-CH₂—C(H)(CH₃)-2′ (see Chattopadhyaya et al., J. Org. Chem., 2009, 74, 118-134); and 4′-CH₂—C—(═CH₂)-2′ (and analogs thereof see published International Application WO 2008/154401, published on Dec. 8, 2008).

Further reports related to bicyclic nucleosides can also be found in published literature (see for example: Singh et al., Chem. Commun., 1998, 4, 455-456; Koshkin et al., Tetrahedron, 1998, 54, 3607-3630; Wahlestedt et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2000, 97, 5633-5638; Kumar et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1998, 8, 2219-2222; Singh et al., J. Org. Chem., 1998, 63, 10035-10039; Srivastava et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2007, 129(26) 8362-8379; Elayadi et al., Curr. Opinion Invest. Drugs, 2001, 2, 558-561; Braasch et al., Chem. Biol., 2001, 8, 1-7; and Orum et al., Curr. Opinion Mol. Ther., 2001, 3, 239-243; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,268,490; 6,525,191; 6,670,461; 6,770,748; 6,794,499; 7,034,133; 7,053,207; 7,399,845; 7,547,684; and 7,696,345; U.S. Patent Publication No. US2008-0039618; US2009-0012281; U.S. Patent Ser. Nos. 60/989,574; 61/026,995; 61/026,998; 61/056,564; 61/086,231; 61/097,787; and 61/099,844; Published PCT International applications WO 1994/014226; WO 2004/106356; WO 2005/021570; WO 2007/134181; WO 2008/150729; WO 2008/154401; and WO 2009/006478. Each of the foregoing bicyclic nucleosides can be prepared having one or more stereochemical sugar configurations including for example α-L-ribofuranose and β-D-ribofuranose (see PCT international application PCT/DK98/00393, published on Mar. 25, 1999 as WO 99/14226).

In certain embodiments, bicyclic sugar moieties of BNA nucleosides include, but are not limited to, compounds having at least one bridge between the 4′ and the 2′ position of the pentofuranosyl sugar moiety wherein such bridges independently comprises 1 or from 2 to 4 linked groups independently selected from —[C(R_(a))(R_(b))]_(n)—, —C(R_(a))═C(R_(b))—, —C(R_(a))═N—, —C(═O)—, —C(═NR_(a))—, —C(═S)—, —O—, —Si(R_(a))₂—, —S(═O)_(x)—, and —N(R_(a))—;

wherein:

x is 0, 1, or 2;

n is 1, 2, 3, or 4;

each R_(a) and R_(b) is, independently, H, a protecting group, hydroxyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkynyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂ alkynyl, C₅-C₂₀ aryl, substituted C₅-C₂₀ aryl, heterocycle radical, substituted heterocycle radical, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, C₅-C₇ alicyclic radical, substituted C₅-C₇alicyclic radical, halogen, OJ₁, NJ₁J₂, SJ₁, N₃, COOJ₁, acyl (C(═O)—H), substituted acyl, CN, sulfonyl (S(═O)₂-J₁), or sulfoxyl (S(═O)-J₁); and

each J₁ and J₂ is, independently, H, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkynyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂ alkynyl, C₅-C₂₀ aryl, substituted C₅-C₂₀ aryl, acyl (C(═O)—H), substituted acyl, a heterocycle radical, a substituted heterocycle radical, C₁-C₁₂ aminoalkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂ aminoalkyl or a protecting group.

In certain embodiments, the bridge of a bicyclic sugar moiety is —[C(R_(a))(R_(b))]_(n)—, —[C(R_(a))(R_(b))]_(n)—O—, —C(R_(a)R_(b))—N(R)—O— or —C(R_(a)R_(b))—O—N(R)—. In certain embodiments, the bridge is 4′-CH₂-2′, 4′-(CH₂)₂-2′, 4′-(CH₂)₃-2′, 4′-CH₂—O-2′, 4′-(CH₂)₂—O-2′, 4′-CH₂—O—N(R)-2′ and 4′-CH₂—N(R)—O-2′- wherein each R is, independently, H, a protecting group or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are further defined by isomeric configuration. For example, a nucleoside comprising a 4′-2′ methylene-oxy bridge, may be in the α-L configuration or in the β-D configuration. Previously, α-L-methyleneoxy (4′-CH₂—O-2′) BNA's have been incorporated into antisense oligonucleotides that showed antisense activity (Frieden et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 2003, 21, 6365-6372).

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides include, but are not limited to, (A) α-L-methyleneoxy (4′-CH₂—O-2′) BNA, (B) β-D-methyleneoxy (4′-CH₂—O-2′) BNA, (C) ethyleneoxy (4′-(CH₂)₂—O-2′) BNA, (D) aminooxy (4′-CH₂—O—N(R)-2′) BNA, (E) oxyamino (4′-CH₂—N(R)—O-2′) BNA, and (F) methyl(methyleneoxy) (4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′) BNA, (G) methylene-thio (4′-CH₂—S-2′) BNA, (H) methylene-amino (4′-CH₂—N(R)-2′) BNA, (I) methyl carbocyclic (4′-CH₂—CH(CH₃)-2′) BNA, and (J) propylene carbocyclic (4′-(CH₂)₃-2′) BNA as depicted below.

wherein Bx is the base moiety and R is independently H, a protecting group or C₁-C₁₂ alkyl.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula I:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

-Q_(a)-Q_(b)-Q_(c)- is —CH₂—N(R_(c))—CH₂—, —C(═O)—N(R_(c))—CH₂—, —CH₂—O—N(R_(c))—, —CH₂—N(R_(c))—O— or —N(R_(c))—O—CH₂;

R_(c) is C₁-C₁₂ alkyl or an amino protecting group; and

T_(a) and T_(b) are each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula II:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_(a) and T_(b) are each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

Z_(a) is C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₂-C₆ alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl, acyl, substituted acyl, substituted amide, thiol or substituted thio.

In one embodiment, each of the substituted groups is, independently, mono or poly substituted with substituent groups independently selected from halogen, oxo, hydroxyl, OJ_(c), NJ_(c)J_(d), SJ_(c), N₃, OC(═X)J_(c), and NJ_(c)C(═X)NJ_(c)J_(d), wherein each J, J_(d) and J_(c) is, independently, H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, or substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl and X is O or NJ_(c).

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula III:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_(a) and T_(b) are each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

Z_(b) is C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₂-C₆ alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl or substituted acyl (C(═O)—).

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula IV:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_(a) and T_(b) are each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

R_(d) is C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl or substituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl;

each q_(a), q_(b), q_(c) and q_(d) is, independently, H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl or substituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkoxyl, acyl, substituted acyl, C₁-C₆ aminoalkyl or substituted C₁-C₆ aminoalkyl;

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula V:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_(a) and T_(b) are each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

q_(a), q_(b), q_(e) and q_(f) are each, independently, hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkynyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂ alkynyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, OJ_(j), SJ_(j), SOJ_(j), SO₂J_(k), NJ_(j)J_(k), N₃, CN, CO(═O)J_(j), C(═O)NJ_(j)J_(k), C(═O)J_(j), O—C(═O)NJ_(j)J_(k), N(H)C(═NH)NJ_(j)J_(k), N(H)C(═O)NJ_(j)J_(k) or N(H)C(═S)NJ_(j)J_(k);

or q_(e) and q_(f) together are ═C(q_(g)(q_(h));

q_(g) and q_(h) are each, independently, H, halogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl or substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl.

The synthesis and preparation of the methyleneoxy (4′-CH₂—O-2′) BNA monomers adenine, cytosine, guanine, 5-methyl-cytosine, thymine and uracil, along with their oligomerization, and nucleic acid recognition properties have been described (Koshkin et al., Tetrahedron, 1998, 54, 3607-3630). BNAs and preparation thereof are also described in WO 98/39352 and WO 99/14226.

Analogs of methyleneoxy (4′-CH₂—O-2′) BNA and 2′-thio-BNAs, have also been prepared (Kumar et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1998, 8, 2219-2222). Preparation of locked nucleoside analogs comprising oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplexes as substrates for nucleic acid polymerases has also been described (Wengel et al., WO 99/14226). Furthermore, synthesis of 2′-amino-BNA, a novel comformationally restricted high-affinity oligonucleotide analog has been described in the art (Singh et al., J. Org. Chem., 1998, 63, 10035-10039). In addition, 2′-amino- and 2′-methylamino-BNA's have been prepared and the thermal stability of their duplexes with complementary RNA and DNA strands has been previously reported.

In certain embodiments, bicyclic nucleosides are provided having Formula VI:

wherein:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_(a) and T_(b) are each, independently H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a conjugate group, a reactive phosphorus group, a phosphorus moiety or a covalent attachment to a support medium;

each q_(i), q_(j), q_(k) and q_(l) is, independently, H, halogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkynyl, substituted C₂-C₁₂ alkynyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxyl, substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkoxyl, OJ_(j), SJ_(j), SOJ_(j), SO₂J_(j), NJ_(j)J_(k), N₃, CN, CO(═O)J_(j), C(═O)NJ_(j)J_(k), C(═O)J_(j), O—C(═O)NJ_(j)J_(k), N(H)C(═NH)NJ_(j)J_(k), N(H)C(═O)NJ_(j)J_(k) or N(H)C(═S)NJ_(j)J_(k); and

q_(i) and q_(j) or q_(l) and q_(k) together are ═C(q_(g))(q_(h)), wherein q_(g) and q_(h) are each, independently, H, halogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl or substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl.

One carbocyclic bicyclic nucleoside having a 4′-(CH₂)₃-2′ bridge and the alkenyl analog bridge 4′-CH═CH—CH₂-2′ have been described (Freier et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 1997, 25(22), 4429-4443 and Albaek et al., J. Org. Chem., 2006, 71, 7731-7740). The synthesis and preparation of carbocyclic bicyclic nucleosides along with their oligomerization and biochemical studies have also been described (Srivastava et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2007, 129(26), 8362-8379).

As used herein, “4′-2′ bicyclic nucleoside” or “4′ to 2′ bicyclic nucleoside” refers to a bicyclic nucleoside comprising a furanose ring comprising a bridge connecting two carbon atoms of the furanose ring connects the 2′ carbon atom and the 4′ carbon atom of the sugar ring.

As used herein, “monocylic nucleosides” refer to nucleosides comprising modified sugar moieties that are not bicyclic sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, the sugar moiety, or sugar moiety analogue, of a nucleoside may be modified or substituted at any position.

As used herein, “2′-modified sugar” means a furanosyl sugar modified at the 2′ position. In certain embodiments, such modifications include substituents selected from: a halide, including, but not limited to substituted and unsubstituted alkoxy, substituted and unsubstituted thioalkyl, substituted and unsubstituted amino alkyl, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, substituted and unsubstituted allyl, and substituted and unsubstituted alkynyl. In certain embodiments, 2′ modifications are selected from substituents including, but not limited to: O[(CH₂)_(n)O]_(m)CH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)NH₂, O(CH₂)_(n)CH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)F, O(CH₂)_(n)ONH₂, OCH₂C(═O)N(H)CH₃, and O(CH₂)_(n)ON[(CH₂)_(n)CH₃]₂, where n and m are from 1 to about 10. Other 2′-substituent groups can also be selected from: C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SH, SCH₃, OCN, Cl, Br, CN, F, CF₃, OCF₃, SOCH₃, SO₂CH₃, ONO₂, NO₂, N₃, NH₂, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalkylamino, substituted silyl, an RNA cleaving group, a reporter group, an intercalator, a group for improving pharmacokinetic properties, or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an antisense compound, and other substituents having similar properties. In certain embodiments, modified nucleosides comprise a 2′-MOE side chain (Baker et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1997, 272, 11944-12000). Such 2′-MOE substitution have been described as having improved binding affinity compared to unmodified nucleosides and to other modified nucleosides, such as 2′-O-methyl, O-propyl, and O-aminopropyl. Oligonucleotides having the 2′-MOE substituent also have been shown to be antisense inhibitors of gene expression with promising features for in vivo use (Martin, Helv. Chim. Acta, 1995, 78, 486-504; Altmann et al., Chimia, 1996, 50, 168-176; Altmann et al., Biochem. Soc. Trans., 1996, 24, 630-637; and Altmann et al., Nucleosides Nucleotides, 1997, 16, 917-926).

As used herein, a “modified tetrahydropyran nucleoside” or “modified THP nucleoside” means a nucleoside having a six-membered tetrahydropyran “sugar” substituted in for the pentofuranosyl residue in normal nucleosides (a sugar surrogate). Modified THP nucleosides include, but are not limited to, what is referred to in the art as hexitol nucleic acid (HNA), anitol nucleic acid (ANA), manitol nucleic acid (MNA) (see Leumann, Bioorg. Med. Chem., 2002, 10, 841-854), fluoro HNA (F-HNA) or those compounds having Formula VII:

wherein independently for each of said at least one tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog of Formula VII:

Bx is a heterocyclic base moiety;

T_(a) and T_(b) are each, independently, an internucleoside linking group linking the tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog to the antisense compound or one of T_(a) and T_(b) is an internucleoside linking group linking the tetrahydropyran nucleoside analog to the antisense compound and the other of T_(a) and T_(b) is H, a hydroxyl protecting group, a linked conjugate group or a 5′ or 3′-terminal group;

q₁, q₂, q₃, q₄, q₅, q₆ and q₇ are each independently, H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, substituted C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl or substituted C₂-C₆ alkynyl; and each of R₁ and R₂ is selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, NJ₁J₂, SJ₁, N₃, OC(═X)J₁, OC(═X)NJ₁J₂, NJ₃C(═X)NJ₁J₂ and CN, wherein X is O, S or NJ₁ and each J₁, J₂ and J₃ is, independently, H or C₁-C₆ alkyl.

In certain embodiments, the modified THP nucleosides of Formula VII are provided wherein q₁, q₂, q₃, q₄, q₅, q₆ and q₇ are each H. In certain embodiments, at least one of q₁, q₂, q₃, q₄, q₅, q₆ and q₇ is other than H. In certain embodiments, at least one of q₁, q₂, q₃, q₄, q₅, q₆ and q₇ is methyl. In certain embodiments, THP nucleosides of Formula VII are provided wherein one of R₁ and R₂ is fluoro. In certain embodiments, R₁ is fluoro and R₂ is H; R₁ is methoxy and R₂ is H, and R₁ is H and R₂ is methoxyethoxy.

As used herein, “2′-modified” or “2′-substituted” refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising a substituent at the 2′ position other than H or OH. 2′-modified nucleosides, include, but are not limited to, bicyclic nucleosides wherein the bridge connecting two carbon atoms of the sugar ring connects the 2′ carbon and another carbon of the sugar ring; and nucleosides with non-bridging 2′ substituents, such as allyl, amino, azido, thio, O-allyl, O—C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, —OCF₃, O—(CH₂)₂—O—CH₃, 2′-O(CH₂)₂SCH₃, O—(CH₂)₂—O—N(R_(m))(R_(n)), or O—CH₂—C(═O)—N(R_(m))(R_(n)), where each R_(m) and R_(n) is, independently, H or substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₀ alkyl. 2′-modified nucleosides may further comprise other modifications, for example at other positions of the sugar and/or at the nucleobase.

As used herein, “2′-F” refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising a fluoro group at the 2′ position.

As used herein, “2′-OMe” or “2′-OCH₃” or “2′-O-methyl” each refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising an —OCH₃ group at the 2′ position of the sugar ring.

As used herein, “MOE” or “2′-MOE” or “2′-OCH₂CH₂OCH₃” or “2′-O-methoxyethyl” each refers to a nucleoside comprising a sugar comprising a —OCH₂CH₂OCH₃ group at the 2′ position of the sugar ring.

As used herein, “oligonucleotide” refers to a compound comprising a plurality of linked nucleosides. In certain embodiments, one or more of the plurality of nucleosides is modified. In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide comprises one or more ribonucleosides (RNA) and/or deoxyribonucleosides (DNA).

Many other bicyclo and tricyclo sugar surrogate ring systems are also known in the art that can be used to modify nucleosides for incorporation into antisense compounds (see for example review article: Leumann, Bioorg. Med. Chem., 2002, 10, 841-854).

Such ring systems can undergo various additional substitutions to enhance activity.

Methods for the preparations of modified sugars are well known to those skilled in the art.

In nucleotides having modified sugar moieties, the nucleobase moieties (natural, modified or a combination thereof) are maintained for hybridization with an appropriate nucleic acid target.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds comprise one or more nucleosides having modified sugar moieties. In certain embodiments, the modified sugar moiety is 2′-MOE. In certain embodiments, the 2′-MOE modified nucleosides are arranged in a gapmer motif. In certain embodiments, the modified sugar moiety is a bicyclic nucleoside having a (4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′) bridging group. In certain embodiments, the (4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′) modified nucleosides are arranged throughout the wings of a gapmer motif

Modified Nucleobases

Nucleobase (or base) modifications or substitutions are structurally distinguishable from, yet functionally interchangeable with, naturally occurring or synthetic unmodified nucleobases. Both natural and modified nucleobases are capable of participating in hydrogen bonding. Such nucleobase modifications may impart nuclease stability, binding affinity or some other beneficial biological property to antisense compounds. Modified nucleobases include synthetic and natural nucleobases such as, for example, 5-methylcytosine (5-me-C). Certain nucleobase substitutions, including 5-methylcytosine substitutions, are particularly useful for increasing the binding affinity of an antisense compound for a target nucleic acid. For example, 5-methylcytosine substitutions have been shown to increase nucleic acid duplex stability by 0.6-1.2° C. (Sanghvi, Y. S., Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., eds., Antisense Research and Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1993, pp. 276-278).

Additional unmodified nucleobases include 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, 2-aminoadenine, 6-methyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-propyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-thiouracil, 2-thiothymine and 2-thiocytosine, 5-halouracil and cytosine, 5-propynyl (—C≡C—CH₃) uracil and cytosine and other alkynyl derivatives of pyrimidine bases, 6-azo uracil, cytosine and thymine, 5-uracil (pseudouracil), 4-thiouracil, 8-halo, 8-amino, 8-thiol, 8-thioalkyl, 8-hydroxyl and other 8-substituted adenines and guanines, 5-halo particularly 5-bromo, 5-trifluoromethyl and other 5-substituted uracils and cytosines, 7-methylguanine and 7-methyladenine, 2-F-adenine, 2-amino-adenine, 8-azaguanine and 8-azaadenine, 7-deazaguanine and 7-deazaadenine and 3-deazaguanine and 3-deazaadenine.

Heterocyclic base moieties may also include those in which the purine or pyrimidine base is replaced with other heterocycles, for example 7-deaza-adenine, 7-deazaguanosine, 2-aminopyridine and 2-pyridone. Nucleobases that are particularly useful for increasing the binding affinity of antisense compounds include 5-substituted pyrimidines, 6-azapyrimidines and N-2, N-6 and O-6 substituted purines, including 2 aminopropyladenine, 5-propynyluracil and 5-propynylcytosine.

In certain embodiments, antisense compounds targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprise one or more modified nucleobases. In certain embodiments, gap-widened antisense oligonucleotides targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid comprise one or more modified nucleobases. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleobase is 5-methylcytosine. In certain embodiments, each cytosine is a 5-methylcytosine.

Compositions and Methods for Formulating Pharmaceutical Compositions

Antisense oligonucleotides may be admixed with pharmaceutically acceptable active or inert substance for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations. Compositions and methods for the formulation of pharmaceutical compositions are dependent upon a number of criteria, including, but not limited to, route of administration, extent of disease, or dose to be administered.

Antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid can be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions by combining the antisense compound with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. A pharmaceutically acceptable diluent includes phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). PBS is a diluent suitable for use in compositions to be delivered parenterally. Accordingly, in one embodiment, employed in the methods described herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable diluent is PBS. In certain embodiments, the antisense compound is an antisense oligonucleotide.

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising antisense compounds encompass any pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or salts of such esters, or any other oligonucleotide which, upon administration to an animal, including a human, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) the biologically active metabolite or residue thereof. Accordingly, for example, the disclosure is also drawn to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of antisense compounds, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such prodrugs, and other bioequivalents. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, sodium and potassium salts.

A prodrug can include the incorporation of additional nucleosides at one or both ends of an antisense compound which are cleaved by endogenous nucleases within the body, to form the active antisense compound.

Conjugated Antisense Compounds

Antisense compounds may be covalently linked to one or more moieties or conjugates which enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the resulting antisense oligonucleotides. Typical conjugate groups include cholesterol moieties and lipid moieties. Additional conjugate groups include carbohydrates, phospholipids, biotin, phenazine, folate, phenanthridine, anthraquinone, acridine, fluoresceins, rhodamines, coumarins, and dyes.

Antisense compounds can also be modified to have one or more stabilizing groups that are generally attached to one or both termini of antisense compounds to enhance properties such as, for example, nuclease stability. Included in stabilizing groups are cap structures. These terminal modifications protect the antisense compound having terminal nucleic acid from exonuclease degradation, and can help in delivery and/or localization within a cell. The cap can be present at the 5′-terminus (5′-cap), or at the 3′-terminus (3′-cap), or can be present on both termini. Cap structures are well known in the art and include, for example, inverted deoxy abasic caps. Further 3′ and 5′-stabilizing groups that can be used to cap one or both ends of an antisense compound to impart nuclease stability include those disclosed in WO 03/004602 published on Jan. 16, 2003.

Cell Culture and Antisense Compounds Treatment

The effects of antisense compounds on the level, activity or expression of transthyretin nucleic acids can be tested in vitro in a variety of cell types. Cell types used for such analyses are available from commercial vendors (e.g. American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va.; Zen-Bio, Inc., Research Triangle Park, N.C.; Clonetics Corporation, Walkersville, Md.) and cells are cultured according to the vendor's instructions using commercially available reagents (e.g. Invitrogen Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.). Illustrative cell types include, but are not limited to, HepG2 cells, Hep3B cells, primary hepatocytes, A549 cells, GM04281 fibroblasts and LLC-MK2 cells.

In Vitro Testing of Antisense Oligonucleotides

Described herein are methods for treatment of cells with antisense oligonucleotides, which can be modified appropriately for treatment with other antisense compounds.

In general, cells are treated with antisense oligonucleotides when the cells reach approximately 60-80% confluence in culture.

One reagent commonly used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes the cationic lipid transfection reagent LIPOFECTIN® (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Antisense oligonucleotides are mixed with LIPOFECTIN® in OPTI-MEM® 1 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) to achieve the desired final concentration of antisense oligonucleotide and a LIPOFECTIN® concentration that typically ranges 2 to 12 ug/mL per 100 nM antisense oligonucleotide.

Another reagent used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes LIPOFECTAMINE 2000® (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Antisense oligonucleotide is mixed with LIPOFECTAMINE 2000® in OPTI-MEM® 1 reduced serum medium (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) to achieve the desired concentration of antisense oligonucleotide and a LIPOFECTAMINE® concentration that typically ranges 2 to 12 ug/mL per 100 nM antisense oligonucleotide.

Another reagent used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes Cytofectin® (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Antisense oligonucleotide is mixed with Cytofectin® in OPTI-MEM® 1 reduced serum medium (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) to achieve the desired concentration of antisense oligonucleotide and a Cytofectin® concentration that typically ranges 2 to 12 ug/mL per 100 nM antisense oligonucleotide.

Another technique used to introduce antisense oligonucleotides into cultured cells includes electroporation.

Cells are treated with antisense oligonucleotides by routine methods. Cells are typically harvested 16-24 hours after antisense oligonucleotide treatment, at which time RNA or protein levels of target nucleic acids are measured by methods known in the art and described herein. In general, when treatments are performed in multiple replicates, the data are presented as the average of the replicate treatments.

The concentration of antisense oligonucleotide used varies from cell line to cell line. Methods to determine the optimal antisense oligonucleotide concentration for a particular cell line are well known in the art. Antisense oligonucleotides are typically used at concentrations ranging from 1 nM to 300 nM when transfected with LIPOFECTAMINE2000®, Lipofectin or Cytofectin. Antisense oligonucleotides are used at higher concentrations ranging from 625 to 20,000 nM when transfected using electroporation.

RNA Isolation

RNA analysis can be performed on total cellular RNA or poly(A)+mRNA. Methods of RNA isolation are well known in the art. RNA is prepared using methods well known in the art, for example, using the TRIZOL® Reagent (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) according to the manufacturer's recommended protocols.

Analysis of Inhibition of Target Levels or Expression

Inhibition of levels or expression of a transthyretin nucleic acid can be assayed in a variety of ways known in the art. For example, target nucleic acid levels can be quantitated by, e.g., Northern blot analysis, competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or quantitative real-time PCR. RNA analysis can be performed on total cellular RNA or poly(A)+mRNA. Methods of RNA isolation are well known in the art. Northern blot analysis is also routine in the art. Quantitative real-time PCR can be conveniently accomplished using the commercially available ABI PRISM® 7600, 7700, or 7900 Sequence Detection System, available from PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif. and used according to manufacturer's instructions.

Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis of Target RNA Levels

Quantitation of target RNA levels may be accomplished by quantitative real-time PCR using the ABI PRISM® 7600, 7700, or 7900 Sequence Detection System (PE-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) according to manufacturer's instructions. Methods of quantitative real-time PCR are well known in the art.

Prior to real-time PCR, the isolated RNA is subjected to a reverse transcriptase (RT) reaction, which produces complementary DNA (cDNA) that is then used as the substrate for the real-time PCR amplification. The RT and real-time PCR reactions are performed sequentially in the same sample well. RT and real-time PCR reagents are obtained from Invitrogen (Carlsbad, Calif.). RT, real-time-PCR reactions are carried out by methods well known to those skilled in the art.

Gene (or RNA) target quantities obtained by real time PCR are normalized using either the expression level of a gene whose expression is constant, such as cyclophilin A, or by quantifying total RNA using RIBOGREEN® (Invitrogen, Inc. Carlsbad, Calif.). Cyclophilin A expression is quantified by real time PCR, by being run simultaneously with the target, multiplexing, or separately. Total RNA is quantified using RIBOGREEN® RNA quantification reagent (Invitrogen, Inc. Eugene, Oreg.). Methods of RNA quantification by RIBOGREEN® are taught in Jones, L. J., et al, (Analytical Biochemistry, 1998, 265, 368-374). A CYTOFLUOR® 4000 instrument (PE Applied Biosystems) is used to measure RIBOGREEN® fluorescence.

Probes and primers are designed to hybridize to a transthyretin nucleic acid. Methods for designing real-time PCR probes and primers are well known in the art, and may include the use of software such as PRIMER EXPRESS® Software (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.).

Analysis of Protein Levels

Antisense inhibition of transthyretin nucleic acids can be assessed by measuring transthyretin protein levels. Protein levels of transthyretin can be evaluated or quantitated in a variety of ways well known in the art, such as immunoprecipitation, Western blot analysis (immunoblotting), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative protein assays, protein activity assays (for example, caspase activity assays), immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Antibodies directed to a target can be identified and obtained from a variety of sources, such as the MSRS catalog of antibodies (Aerie Corporation, Birmingham, Mich.), or can be prepared via conventional monoclonal or polyclonal antibody generation methods well known in the art. Antibodies useful for the detection of human and rat transthyretin are commercially available.

In Vivo Testing of Antisense Compounds

Antisense compounds, for example, antisense oligonucleotides, are tested in animals to assess their ability to inhibit expression of transthyretin and produce phenotypic changes. Testing may be performed in normal animals, or in experimental disease models. For administration to animals, antisense oligonucleotides are formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, such as phosphate-buffered saline. Administration includes parenteral routes of administration. Following a period of treatment with antisense oligonucleotides, RNA is isolated from tissue and changes in transthyretin nucleic acid expression are measured. Changes in transthyretin protein levels are also measured.

Certain Compounds

About two hundred and forty six newly designed antisense compounds of various lengths, motifs and backbone composition were tested for their effect on human transthyretin mRNA in vitro in several cell types. The new compounds were compared with about seventy nine previously designed compounds including ISIS NOs. 304267, 304268, 304280, 304284, 304285, 304286, 304287, 304288, 304289, 304290, 304291, 304292, 304293, 304294, 304296, 304297, 304298, 304299, 304300, 304301, 304302, 304303, 304304, 304307, 304308, 304309, 304311, and 304312 which have previously been determined to be some of the most potent antisense compounds in vitro (see e.g., U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2005/0244869 and US2009/0082300). Of the about three hundred and twenty five newly designed and previously designed antisense compounds, about fifteen compounds were selected for further study based on in vitro potency. The selected compounds were tested for in vivo potency and tolerability in a transgenic mouse model (see Example 10). Of the fifteen compounds tested, eleven were selected and tested for systemic tolerability (see Example 11) and half-life measurement in liver (see Example 12) in CD1 mice, and also for systemic tolerability (see Example 13) and pharmacokinetic studies of oligonucleotide concentration in liver (see Example 14) in Sprague-Dawley rats. From these studies, seven compounds were tested for dose dependent inhibition and tolerability in transgenic mice (see Example 15). Furthermore, fifteen additional compounds were selected from Table 1 and six additional compounds with various motifs were designed with overlapping sequences to ISIS 420951, which displayed high potency and tolerability in the above-mentioned assays. These additional compounds were compared with ISIS 420951 for potency and tolerability in transgenic mice (see Example 16). Based on all these studies (Examples 10-16), twenty two compounds were selected and tested for systemic tolerability in CD1 mice (see Example 17). Seven compounds were considered tolerable in the mouse model and further tested for systemic tolerability in Sprague-Dawley rats (see Example 18) and for pharmacokinetic studies of oligonucleotide concentration in the liver and kidney (see Example 19). The seven compounds were also tested for dose-dependent potency in transgenic mice (see Example 20).

Final evaluation of these studies (Examples 16-20), led to the selection of nine compounds having a nucleobase sequence of a sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 25, 78, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122 and 124. By virtue of their complementary sequence, the compounds are complementary to the regions 505-524, 507-526, 508-527, 513-532, 515-534, 516-535, 580-599, 585-604, 587-606, or 589-608 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the compounds targeting the listed regions, as further described herein, comprise a modified oligonucleotide having some nucleobase portion of the sequence recited in the SEQ ID NOs, as further described herein, In certain embodiments, the compounds targeting the listed regions or having a nucleobase portion of a sequence recited in the listed SEQ ID NOs can be of various length, as further described herein, and can have one of various motifs, as further described herein. In certain embodiments, a compound targeting a region or having a nucleobase portion of a sequence recited in the listed SEQ ID NOs has the specific length and motif as indicated by the ISIS NOs: ISIS 304299, ISIS 420913, ISIS 420915, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420955, ISIS 420957, or ISIS 420959.

The nine compounds having a nucleobase sequence of a sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 25, 78, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122 and 124, were further tested for dose dependent inhibition in primary hepatocytes of cynomolgus monkey (See Example 21). These compounds were also tested for optimal viscosity (Example 22). The half life in the liver of CD1 mice of seven of the compounds having a nucleobase sequence of a sequence recited in SEQ ID NOs: 78, 86, 87, 115, 120 and 124 was also evaluated (Example 23).

Final evaluation of these studies (Examples 1-23), led to the selection of eight compounds having a nucleobase sequence of a sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 25, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122 and 124. By virtue of their complementary sequence, the compounds are complementary to the regions 504-523, 505-524, 512-531, 513-532, 577-596, 582-601, 584-603, and 586-605 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the compounds targeting the listed regions, as further described herein, comprise a modified oligonucleotide having some nucleobase portion of the sequence recited in the SEQ ID NOs, as further described herein, In certain embodiments, the compounds targeting the listed regions or having a nucleobase portion of a sequence recited in the listed SEQ ID NOs can be of various length, as further described herein, and can have one of various motifs, as further described herein. In certain embodiments, a compound targeting a region or having a nucleobase portion of a sequence recited in the listed SEQ ID NOs has the specific length and motif as indicated by the ISIS NOs: ISIS 304299, ISIS 420915, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420955, ISIS 420957, or ISIS 420959.

These eight compounds were tested for efficacy, pharmacokinetic profile and tolerability in cynomolgus monkeys (Example 24). The inhibition studies in these monkeys indicated that treatment with some of these compounds caused high inhibition of TTR mRNA in the liver. Specifically, treatment with ISIS 420950, ISIS 420955 and ISIS 420915 caused 91%, 79% and 78% inhibition, respectively compared to the PBS control. It was noted that ISIS 420915 caused greater inhibition of TTR (78%) mRNA compared to ISIS 304299 (59%), even though the two oligonucleotides differ from each other by a single base-pair shift of their target region on SEQ ID NO: 1. Protein analysis also complemented the RNA analysis data with treatment with ISIS 420915 causing 76% inhibition and treatment with ISIS 304299 causing 47% inhibition of TTR protein compared to the control. RBP4 protein levels, as a protein associated with transthyretin, was also expected to decrease after treatment with the antisense compounds. RBP4 protein levels decreased by 63% after treatment with ISIS 420915. Treatment with ISIS 304299 decreased RBP4 protein levels by 19%. Additionally, ISIS 420915 was more tolerable than ISIS 304299, as indicated in the monkey study (Example 24) Transaminase levels of monkeys treated with ISIS 304299 (ALT 81 IU/L and AST 101 IU/L) were higher than those treated with ISIS 420915 (ALT 68 IU/L and AST 62 IU/L). The complement C3 levels of monkeys treated with ISIS 304299 (96 mg/dL) were lower than that of monkeys treated with ISIS 420915 (104 mg/dL).

Accordingly, provided herein are antisense compounds with any one or more of the improved characteristics. In a certain embodiments, provided herein are compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide as further described herein targeted to or specifically hybridizable with the region of nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Accordingly, provided herein are antisense compounds with any one or more of the improved characteristics. In a certain embodiments, provided herein are compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide as further described herein targeted to or specifically hybridizable with the region of nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Accordingly, provided herein are antisense compounds with any one or more of the improved characteristics. In a certain embodiments, provided herein are compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide as further described herein targeted to or specifically hybridizable with the region of nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 4.

In certain embodiments, the compounds as described herein are efficacious by virtue of having at least one of an in vitro IC₅₀ of less than 2.9 uM, less than 2.2 uM, less than 2.0 uM, less than 1.5 uM, less than 1.4 uM, less than 1.3 uM, less than 1.0 uM, less than 0.7 uM, less than 0.6 uM, when delivered to a cynomolgous monkey hepatocyte cell line using electroporation as described in Example 67. In certain embodiments, the compounds as described herein are highly tolerable as demonstrated by having at least one of an increase in ALT or AST value of no more than 4 fold, 3 fold, or 2 fold over saline treated animals; or an increase in liver, spleen or kidney weight of no more than 30%, 20%, 15%, 12%, 10%, 5% or 2%.

Certain Indications

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods of treating an individual comprising administering one or more pharmaceutical compositions as described herein. In certain embodiments, the individual has central nervous system related disease.

As shown in the examples below, compounds targeted to transthyretin as described herein have been shown to reduce the severity of physiological symptoms of central nervous system related diseases. In certain of the experiments, the compounds reduced rate of amyloid plaque formation, e.g., the animals continued to experience symptoms, but the symptoms were less severe compared to untreated animals. In other of the experiments, however, the compounds appear to result in regeneration of function over time; e.g., animals treated for a longer period of time experienced less severe symptoms than those administered the compounds for a shorter period of time. The ability of the compounds exemplified below to restore function therefore demonstrates that symptoms of the disease may be reversed by treatment with a compound as described herein.

Accordingly, provided herein are methods for ameliorating a symptom associated with central nervous system related, cardiac, neuropathologic or gastrointestinal disease in a subject in need thereof. In certain embodiments, provided is a method for reducing the rate of onset of a symptom associated with central nervous system related, cardiac, neuropathologic or gastrointestinal disease. In certain embodiments, provided is a method for reducing the severity of a symptom associated with central nervous system related, cardiac, neuropathologic or gastrointestinal. In such embodiments, the methods comprise administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound targeted to a Transthyretin nucleic acid.

Transthyretin amyloidosis is characterized by numerous physical, neurological, psychiatric, and/or peripheral symptoms. Any symptom known to one of skill in the art to be associated with transthyretin amyloidosis can be ameliorated or otherwise modulated as set forth above in the methods described above. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a physical, cognitive, psychiatric, or peripheral symptom. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a physical symptom selected from the group consisting of restlessness, lack of coordination, nystagmus, spastic paraparesis, lack of muscle coordination, impaired vision, insomnia, unusual sensations, myoclonus, blindness, loss of speech, Carpal tunnel syndrome, seizures, subarachnoid hemorrhages, stroke and bleeding in the brain, hydrocephalus, ataxia, and spastic paralysis, coma, sensory neuropathy, parathesia, hypesthesia, motor neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, cyclic constipation, cyclic diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, reduced sweating, impotence, delayed gastric emptying, urinary retention, urinary incontinence, progressive cardiopathy, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, lack of appetite, numbness, tingling, weakness, enlarged tongue, nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure, dyspnea on exertion, peripheral edema, arrhythmias, palpitations, light-headedness, syncope, postural hypotension, peripheral nerve problems, sensory motor impairment, lower limb neuropathy, upper limb neuropathy, hyperalgesia, altered temperature sensation, lower extremity weakness, cachexia, peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, purpura, diastolic dysfunction, premature ventricular contractions, cranial neuropathy, diminished deep tendon reflexes, amyloid deposits in the corpus vitreum, vitreous opacity, dry eyes, glaucoma, scalloped appearance in the pupils, swelling of the feet due to water retention. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a cognitive symptom selected from the group consisting of impaired memory, impaired judgment, and thinking, impaired planning, impaired flexibility, impaired abstract thinking, impaired rule acquisition, impaired initiation of appropriate actions, impaired inhibition of inappropriate actions, impaired short-term memory, impaired long-term memory, paranoia, disorientation, confusion, hallucination and dementia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is a psychiatric symptom selected from the group consisting of dementia; anxiety, depression, blunted affect, egocentrisms, aggression, compulsive behavior, irritability, personality changes, including, impaired memory, judgment, and thinking and suicidal ideation.

In certain embodiments, the symptom is restlessness. In certain embodiments, the symptom is lack of coordination. In certain embodiments, the symptom is nystagmus. In certain embodiments, the symptom is spastic paraparesis. In certain embodiments, the symptom is lack of muscle coordination. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired vision. In certain embodiments, the symptom is insomnia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is unusual sensations. In certain embodiments, the symptom is myoclonus. In certain embodiments, the symptom is blindness. In certain embodiments, the symptom is loss of speech. In certain embodiments, the symptom is Carpal tunnel syndrome. In certain embodiments, the symptom is seizures. In certain embodiments, the symptom is subarachnoid hemorrhages. In certain embodiments, the symptom is stroke. In certain embodiments, the symptom is bleeding in the brain. In certain embodiments, the symptom is hydrocephalus. In certain embodiments, the symptom is ataxia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is spastic paralysis. In certain embodiments, the symptom is coma. In certain embodiments, the symptom is sensory neuropathy. In certain embodiments, the symptom is parathesia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is hypesthesia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is motor neuropathy. In certain embodiments, the symptom is autonomic neuropathy. In certain embodiments, the symptom is orthostatic hypotension. In certain embodiments, the symptom is cyclic constipation. In certain embodiments, the symptom is cyclic diarrhea. In certain embodiments, the symptom is nausea. In certain embodiments, the symptom is vomiting. In certain embodiments, the symptom is reduced sweating. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impotence. In certain embodiments, the symptom is delayed gastric emptying. In certain embodiments, the symptom is urinary retention. In certain embodiments, the symptom is urinary incontinence. In certain embodiments, the symptom is progressive cardiopathy. In certain embodiments, the symptom is fatigue. In certain embodiments, the symptom is shortness of breath. In certain embodiments, the symptom is weight loss. In certain embodiments, the symptom is numbness. In certain embodiments, the symptom is tingling. In certain embodiments, the symptom is weakness. In certain embodiments, the symptom is enlarged tongue. In certain embodiments, the symptom is nephrotic syndrome. In certain embodiments, the symptom is congestive heart failure. In certain embodiments, the symptom is dyspnea on exertion. In certain embodiments, the symptom is peripheral edema. In certain embodiments, the symptom is arrhythmias. In certain embodiments, the symptom is palpitations. In certain embodiments, the symptom is light-headedness. In certain embodiments, the symptom is syncope. In certain embodiments, the symptom is postural hypotension. In certain embodiments, the symptom is peripheral nerve problems. In certain embodiments, the symptom is sensory motor impairment. In certain embodiments, the symptom is lower limb neuropathy. In certain embodiments, the symptom is upper limb neuropathy. In certain embodiments, the symptom is hyperalgesia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is altered temperature sensation. In certain embodiments, the symptom is lower extremity weakness. In certain embodiments, the symptom is cachexia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is edema. In certain embodiments, the symptom is hepatomegaly. In certain embodiments, the symptom is purpura. In certain embodiments, the symptom is diastolic dysfunction. In certain embodiments, the symptom is premature ventricular contractions. In certain embodiments, the symptom is cranial neuropathy. In certain embodiments, the symptom is diminished deep tendon reflexes. In certain embodiments, the symptom is amyloid deposits in the corpus vitreum. In certain embodiments, the symptom is vitreous opacity. In certain embodiments, the symptom is dry eyes. In certain embodiments, the symptom is glaucoma. In certain embodiments, the symptom is scalloped appearance in the pupils. In certain embodiments, the symptom is swelling of the feet due to water retention.

In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired memory. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired judgment, and thinking. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired planning. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired flexibility. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired abstract thinking. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired rule acquisition. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired initiation of appropriate actions. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired inhibition of inappropriate actions. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired short-term memory. In certain embodiments, the symptom is impaired long-term memory. In certain embodiments, the symptom is paranoia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is disorientation. In certain embodiments, the symptom is confusion. In certain embodiments, the symptom is hallucination. In certain embodiments, the symptom is dementia.

In certain embodiments, the symptom is dementia. In certain embodiments, the symptom is anxiety. In certain embodiments, the symptom is depression. In certain embodiments, the symptom is blunted affect. In certain embodiments, the symptom is egocentrisms. In certain embodiments, the symptom is aggression. In certain embodiments, the symptom is compulsive behavior. In certain embodiments, the symptom is irritability. In certain embodiments, the symptom is personality changes. In certain embodiments, the symptom is suicidal ideation.

In certain embodiments, provided are methods of treating an individual comprising administering one or more pharmaceutical compositions as described herein. In certain embodiments, the individual has central nervous system related disease.

In certain embodiments, administration of an antisense compound targeted to a transthyretin nucleic acid results in reduction of transthyretin expression by at least about 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 99%, or a range defined by any two of these values.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antisense compound targeted to transthyretin are used for the preparation of a medicament for treating a patient suffering or susceptible to central nervous system related disease.

In certain embodiments, the methods described herein include administering a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide having a contiguous nucleobases portion as described herein of a sequence recited in SEQ ID NO: 25, 78, 80, 86, 87, 115, 120, 122 and 124.

Administration

In certain embodiments, the compounds and compositions as described herein may be administered in a number of ways depending upon whether local or systemic treatment is desired and upon the area to be treated. Administration may be topical, pulmonary, e.g., by inhalation or insufflation of powders or aerosols, including by nebulizer; intratracheal, intranasal, epidermal and transdermal, oral or parenteral. The compounds and compositions as described herein can be delivered in a manner to target a particular tissue, such as the liver or brain.

In certain embodiments, the compounds and compositions as described herein are administered parenterally. “Parenteral administration” means administration through injection or infusion. Parenteral administration includes subcutaneous administration, intravenous administration, intramuscular administration, intraarterial administration, intraperitoneal administration, or intracranial administration, e.g. intracerebral administration, intrathecal administration, intraventricular administration, ventricular administration, intracerebroventricular administration, cerebral intraventricular administration or cerebral ventricular administration. Administration can be continuous, or chronic, or short or intermittent.

In certain embodiments, parenteral administration is by infusion. Infusion can be chronic or continuous or short or intermittent. In certain embodiments, infused pharmaceutical agents are delivered with a pump. In certain embodiments, parenteral administration is by injection.

In certain embodiments, parenteral administration is subcutaneous.

In further embodiments, the formulation for administration is the compounds described herein and saline.

In certain embodiments, compounds and compositions are delivered to the CNS. In certain embodiments, compounds and compositions are delivered to the cerebrospinal fluid. In certain embodiments, compounds and compositions are administered to the brain parenchyma. In certain embodiments, compounds and compositions are delivered to an animal into multiple regions of the central nervous system (e.g., into multiple regions of the brain, and/or into the spinal cord) by intrathecal administration, or intracerebroventricular administration. Broad distribution of compounds and compositions, described herein, within the central nervous system may be achieved with intraparenchymal administration, intrathecal administration, or intracerebroventricular administration.

In certain embodiments, the present invention includes pharmaceutical compositions that can be delivered by injection directly into the brain. The injection can be by stereotactic injection into a particular region of the brain (e.g., the substantia nigra, choroid plexus, cortex, hippocampus, striatum, choroid plexus or globus pallidus). The compound can also be delivered into diffuse regions of the brain (e.g., diffuse delivery to the cortex of the brain).

In certain embodiments, parenteral administration is by injection. The injection may be delivered with a syringe or a pump. In certain embodiments, the injection is a bolus injection. In certain embodiments, the injection is administered directly to a tissue, such as striatum, caudate, cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum.

In certain embodiments, delivery of a compound or composition described herein can affect the pharmacokinetic profile of the compound or composition. In certain embodiments, injection of a compound or composition described herein, to a targeted tissue improves the pharmacokinetic profile of the compound or composition as compared to infusion of the compound or composition. In a certain embodiment, the injection of a compound or composition improves potency compared to broad diffusion, requiring less of the compound or composition to achieve similar pharmacology. In certain embodiments, similar pharmacology refers to the amount of time that a target mRNA and/or target protein is down-regulated (e.g. duration of action). In certain embodiments, methods of specifically localizing a pharmaceutical agent, such as by bolus injection, decreases median effective concentration (EC50) by a factor of about 50 (e.g. 50 fold less concentration in tissue is required to achieve the same or similar pharmacodynamic effect). In certain embodiments, methods of specifically localizing a pharmaceutical agent, such as by bolus injection, decreases median effective concentration (EC50) by a factor of 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50. In certain embodiments the pharmaceutical agent in an antisense compound as further described herein. In certain embodiments, the targeted tissue is brain tissue. In certain embodiments the targeted tissue is striatal tissue. In certain embodiments, decreasing EC50 is desirable because it reduces the dose required to achieve a pharmacological result in a patient in need thereof.

The half-life of MOE gapmer oligonucleotides in CD1 mice liver tissue is about 21 days (see Examples 12).

In certain embodiments, an antisense oligonucleotide is delivered by injection or infusion once every month, every two months, every 90 days, every 3 months, every 6 months, twice a year or once a year.

Certain Combination Therapies

In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are co-administered with one or more other pharmaceutical agents. In certain embodiments, such one or more other pharmaceutical agents are designed to treat the same disease, disorder, or condition as the one or more pharmaceutical compositions described herein. In certain embodiments, such one or more other pharmaceutical agents are designed to treat a different disease, disorder, or condition as the one or more pharmaceutical compositions described herein. In certain embodiments, such one or more other pharmaceutical agents are designed to treat an undesired side effect of one or more pharmaceutical compositions as described herein. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are co-administered with another pharmaceutical agent to treat an undesired effect of that other pharmaceutical agent. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are co-administered with another pharmaceutical agent to produce a combinational effect. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions are co-administered with another pharmaceutical agent to produce a synergistic effect.

In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are administered at the same time. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are administered at different times. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are prepared together in a single formulation. In certain embodiments, one or more pharmaceutical compositions and one or more other pharmaceutical agents are prepared separately.

In certain embodiments, the second compound is administered prior to administration of a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the second compound is administered following administration of a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the second compound is administered at the same time as a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the dose of a co-administered second compound is the same as the dose that would be administered if the second compound was administered alone. In certain embodiments, the dose of a co-administered second compound is lower than the dose that would be administered if the second compound was administered alone. In certain embodiments, the dose of a co-administered second compound is greater than the dose that would be administered if the second compound was administered alone.

In certain embodiments, the co-administration of a second compound enhances the effect of a first compound, such that co-administration of the compounds results in an effect that is greater than the effect of administering the first compound alone. In certain embodiments, the co-administration results in effects that are additive of the effects of the compounds when administered alone. In certain embodiments, the co-administration results in effects that are supra-additive of the effects of the compounds when administered alone. In certain embodiments, the first compound is an antisense compound. In certain embodiments, the second compound is an antisense compound.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical agents that may be co-administered with a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention include antipsychotic agents, such as, e.g., haloperidol, chlorpromazine, clozapine, quetapine, and olanzapine; antidepressant agents, such as, e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline hydrochloride, venlafaxine and nortriptyline; tranquilizing agents such as, e.g., benzodiazepines, clonazepam, paroxetine, venlafaxin, and beta-blockers; mood-stabilizing agents such as, e.g., lithium, valproate, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine; paralytic agents such as, e.g., Botulinum toxin; and/or other experimental agents including, but not limited to, tetrabenazine (Xenazine), creatine, conezyme Q10, trehalose, docosahexanoic acids, ACR16, ethyl-EPA, atomoxetine, citalopram, dimebon, memantine, sodium phenylbutyrate, ramelteon, ursodiol, zyprexa, xenasine, tiapride, riluzole, amantadine, [123I]MNI-420, atomoxetine, tetrabenazine, digoxin, detromethorphan, warfarin, alprozam, ketoconazole, omeprazole, and minocycline.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical agents that may be co-administered with a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention include analgesics, such as, paracetamol (acetaminophen); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as, salicylates; narcotic drugs, such as, morphine, and synthetic drugs with narcotic properties such as tramadol.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical agents that may be co-administered with a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention include muscle relaxants, such as, benzodiapines and methocarbamol.

Formulations

The compounds of the invention may also be admixed, conjugated or otherwise associated with other molecules, molecule structures or mixtures of compounds, as for example, liposomes, receptor-targeted molecules, or other formulations, for assisting in uptake, distribution and/or absorption. Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of such uptake, distribution and/or absorption-assisting formulations include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,108,921; 5,354,844; 5,416,016; 5,459,127; 5,521,291; 5,543,158; 5,547,932; 5,583,020; 5,591,721; 4,426,330; 4,534,899; 5,013,556; 5,108,921; 5,213,804; 5,227,170; 5,264,221; 5,356,633; 5,395,619; 5,416,016; 5,417,978; 5,462,854; 5,469,854; 5,512,295; 5,527,528; 5,534,259; 5,543,152; 5,556,948; 5,580,575; and 5,595,756, each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

The antisense compounds of the invention encompass any pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or salts of such esters, or any other compound which, upon administration to an animal, including a human, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) the biologically active metabolite or residue thereof.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to physiologically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the invention: i.e., salts that retain the desired biological activity of the parent compound and do not impart undesired toxicological effects thereto. For oligonucleotides, preferred examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts and their uses are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Sodium salts have been shown to be suitable forms of oligonucleotide drugs.

The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions and formulations which include the antisense compounds of the invention. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered in a number of ways depending upon whether local or systemic treatment is desired and upon the area to be treated. Administration may be parenteral. Parenteral administration includes intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection or infusion; or intracranial, e.g., intracerebral administration, intrathecal administration, intraventricular administration, ventricular administration, intracerebroventricular administration, cerebral intraventricular administration or cerebral ventricular administration.

Administration intraventricularly, is preferred to target transthyretin expression in the choroid plexus. Oligonucleotides with at least one 2′-O-methoxyethyl modification are believed to be particularly useful for oral administration. Pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for topical administration may include transdermal patches, ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like may be necessary or desirable. Coated condoms, gloves and the like may also be useful.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention, which may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form, may be prepared according to conventional techniques well known in the pharmaceutical industry. Such techniques include the step of bringing into association the active ingredients with the pharmaceutical carrier(s) or excipient(s). In general, the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the active ingredients with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.

The compositions of the present invention may be formulated into any of many possible dosage forms such as, but not limited to, tablets, capsules, gel capsules, liquid syrups, soft gels, suppositories, and enemas. The compositions of the present invention may also be formulated as suspensions in aqueous, non-aqueous or mixed media. Aqueous suspensions may further contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension including, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol and/or dextran. The suspension may also contain stabilizers.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, solutions, emulsions, foams and liposome-containing formulations. The pharmaceutical compositions and formulations of the present invention may comprise one or more penetration enhancers, carriers, excipients or other active or inactive ingredients.

Emulsions are typically heterogenous systems of one liquid dispersed in another in the form of droplets usually exceeding 0.1 μm in diameter. Emulsions may contain additional components in addition to the dispersed phases, and the active drug which may be present as a solution in the aqueous phase, oily phase or itself as a separate phase. Microemulsions are included as an embodiment of the present invention. Emulsions and their uses are well known in the art and are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Formulations of the present invention include liposomal formulations. As used in the present invention, the term “liposome” means a vesicle composed of amphiphilic lipids arranged in a spherical bilayer or bilayers. Liposomes are unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles which have a membrane formed from a lipophilic material and an aqueous interior that contains the composition to be delivered. Cationic liposomes are positively charged liposomes which are believed to interact with negatively charged DNA molecules to form a stable complex. Liposomes that are pH-sensitive or negatively-charged are believed to entrap DNA rather than complex with it. Both cationic and noncationic liposomes have been used to deliver DNA to cells.

Liposomes also include “sterically stabilized” liposomes, a term which, as used herein, refers to liposomes comprising one or more specialized lipids that, when incorporated into liposomes, result in enhanced circulation lifetimes relative to liposomes lacking such specialized lipids. Liposomes and their uses are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

In another embodiment of the invention, formulations of the present invention include saline formulations. In certain embodiment of the invention, a formulation consists of the compounds described herein and saline. In certain embodiments, a formulation consists essentially of the compounds described herein and saline. In certain embodiments, the saline is pharmaceutically acceptable grade saline. In certain embodiments, the saline is buffered saline. In certain embodiments, the saline is phosphate buffered saline (PBS).

In certain embodiments, a formulation excludes liposomes. In certain embodiments, the formulation excludes sterically stabilized liposomes. In certain embodiments, a formulation excludes phospholipids. In certain embodiments, the formulation consists essentially of the compounds described herein and saline and excludes liposomes.

The pharmaceutical formulations and compositions of the present invention may also include surfactants. Surfactants and their uses are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the present invention employs various penetration enhancers to affect the efficient delivery of nucleic acids, particularly oligonucleotides. Penetration enhancers and their uses are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,860, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

One of skill in the art will recognize that formulations are routinely designed according to their intended use, i.e. route of administration.

Preferred formulations for topical administration include those in which the oligonucleotides of the invention are in admixture with a topical delivery agent such as lipids, liposomes, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, steroids, chelating agents and surfactants. Preferred lipids and liposomes include neutral (e.g. dioleoylphosphatidyl DOPE ethanolamine, dimyristoylphosphatidyl choline DMPC, distearolyphosphatidyl choline) negative (e.g. dimyristoylphosphatidyl glycerol DMPG) and cationic (e.g. dioleoyltetramethylaminopropyl DOTAP and dioleoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine DOTMA).

Compositions and formulations for parenteral administration, including intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular injection or infusion, or intracranial may include sterile aqueous solutions which may also contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives such as, but not limited to, penetration enhancers, carrier compounds and other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more oligomeric compounds and one or more other chemotherapeutic agents which function by a non-antisense mechanism. Examples of such chemotherapeutic agents include but are not limited to cancer chemotherapeutic drugs such as daunorubicin, daunomycin, dactinomycin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, esorubicin, bleomycin, mafosfamide, ifosfamide, cytosine arabinoside, bis-chloroethylnitrosurea, busulfan, mitomycin C, actinomycin D, mithramycin, prednisone, hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, tamoxifen, dacarbazine, procarbazine, hexamethylmelamine, pentamethylmelamine, mitoxantrone, amsacrine, chlorambucil, methylcyclohexylnitrosurea, nitrogen mustards, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-azacytidine, hydroxyurea, deoxycoformycin, 4-hydroxyperoxycyclophosphoramide, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (5-FUdR), methotrexate (MTX), colchicine, taxol, vincristine, vinblastine, etoposide (VP-16), trimetrexate, irinotecan, topotecan, gemcitabine, teniposide, cisplatin and diethylstilbestrol (DES). When used with the compounds of the invention, such chemotherapeutic agents may be used individually (e.g., 5-FU and oligonucleotide), sequentially (e.g., 5-FU and oligonucleotide for a period of time followed by MTX and oligonucleotide), or in combination with one or more other such chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., 5-FU, MTX and oligonucleotide, or 5-FU, radiotherapy and oligonucleotide). Anti-inflammatory drugs, including but not limited to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, and antiviral drugs, including but not limited to ribivirin, vidarabine, acyclovir and ganciclovir, may also be combined in compositions of the invention. Combinations of antisense compounds and other non-antisense drugs are also within the scope of this invention. Two or more combined compounds may be used together or sequentially.

In another related embodiment, compositions of the invention may contain one or more antisense compounds, particularly oligonucleotides, targeted to a first nucleic acid and one or more additional antisense compounds targeted to a second nucleic acid target. Alternatively, compositions of the invention may contain two or more antisense compounds targeted to different regions of the same nucleic acid target. Numerous examples of antisense compounds are known in the art. Two or more combined compounds may be used together or sequentially.

Dosing

The formulation of therapeutic compositions and their subsequent administration (dosing) is believed to be within the skill of those in the art. Dosing is dependent on severity and responsiveness of the disease state to be treated, with the course of treatment lasting from several days to several months, or until a cure is effected or a diminution of the disease state is achieved. Optimal dosing schedules can be calculated from measurements of drug accumulation in the body of the patient. Optimum dosages may vary depending on the relative potency of individual oligonucleotides, and can generally be estimated based on EC₅₀s found to be effective in in vitro and in vivo animal models. In general, dosage is from 0.01 μg to 100 g per kg of body weight, and may be given once or more daily, weekly, monthly or yearly, or at desired intervals. Following successful treatment, it may be desirable to have the patient undergo maintenance therapy to prevent the recurrence of the disease state, wherein the oligonucleotide is administered in maintenance doses, ranging from 0.01 μg to 100 g per kg of body weight, once or more daily.

While the present invention has been described with specificity in accordance with certain of its preferred embodiments, the following examples serve only to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the same. Each of the references, GenBank accession numbers, and the like recited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

EXAMPLES

Non-Limiting Disclosure and Incorporation by Reference

While certain compounds, compositions and methods described herein have been described with specificity in accordance with certain embodiments, the following examples serve only to illustrate the compounds described herein and are not intended to limit the same. Each of the references recited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Example 1 Antisense Inhibition of Human Transthyretin in HepG2 Cells

Antisense oligonucleotides were designed targeting a transthyretin nucleic acid and were tested for their effects on transthyretin mRNA in vitro. Cultured HepG2 cells at a density of 10,000 cells per well were transfected using lipofectin reagent with 50 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human primer probe set RTS1396 (forward sequence CCCTGCTGAGCCCCTACTC, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 5; reverse sequence TCCCTCATTCCTTGGGATTG, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 6; probe sequence ATTCCACCACGGCTGTCGTCAX, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 7). Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells.

The chimeric antisense oligonucleotides in Tables 1 and 2 were designed as 5-10-5 MOE gapmers. The gapmers are 20 nucleotides in length, wherein the central gap segment is comprised of ten 2′-deoxynucleotides and is flanked on both sides (in the 5′ and 3′ directions) by wings comprising five nucleotides each. Each nucleotide in the 5′ wing segment and each nucleotide in the 3′ wing segment has a 2′-MOE modification. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P═S) linkages. All cytidine residues throughout each gapmer are 5-methylcytidines. “Human Target start site” indicates the 5′-most nucleotide to which the gapmer is targeted in the human gene sequence. “Human Target stop site” indicates the 3′-most nucleotide to which the gapmer is targeted human gene sequence. Each gapmer listed in Table 1 is targeted to human transthyretin mRNA, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 1 (GENBANK Accession No. NM_(—)000371.2). Certain gapmers were also designed which targeted intronic sequences or intron-exon junctions of the human transthyretin genomic sequence, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 2 (GENBANK Accession No. NT_(—)010966.10 truncated from nucleotides 2009236 to 2017289) and are listed in Table 2.

The human oligonucleotides of Tables 1 and 2 are also cross-reactive with rhesus monkey gene sequences. ‘Mismatches’ indicate the number of nucleobases by which the human oligonucleotide is mismatched with a rhesus monkey gene sequence. The greater the complementarity between the human oligonucleotide and the rhesus monkey sequence, the more likely the human oligonucleotide can cross-react with the rhesus monkey sequence. The human oligonucleotides in Table 1 were compared to exons 1-4 extracted from the rhesus monkey genomic sequence GENBANK Accession No. NW_(—)001105671.1, based on similarity to human exons. The human oligonucleotides in Table 2 were compared to the rhesus monkey genomic sequence, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 4 (GENBANK Accession No. NW_(—)001105671.1 truncated from nucleotides 628000 to 638000). “Rhesus monkey Target start site” indicates the 5′-most nucleotide to which the gapmer is targeted in the rhesus monkey gene sequence. “Rhesus monkey Target stop site” indicates the 3′-most nucleotide to which the gapmer is targeted rhesus monkey gene sequence.

TABLE 1 Inhibition of human transthyretin mRNA levels by chimeric antisense  oligonucleotides having 5-10-5 MOE wings and deoxy gap targeted to SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 4 Rhesus Rhesus Human Human monkey monkey SEQ ISIS Start Stop % start stop Mis- ID NO Site Site Region Sequence inhibition site site matches NO 304267 217 236 coding ACTGGTTTTCC 53 217 236 0   8 CAGAGGCAA 304268 222 241 coding GACTCACTGGT 16 222 241 0   9 TTTCCCAGA 304280 353 372 coding TGAATACCAC 51 353 372 0  10 CTCTGCATGC 304284 425 444 coding CCGTGGTGGA 82 425 444 0  11 ATAGGAGTAG 304285 427 446 coding AGCCGTGGTG 89 427 446 0  12 GAATAGGAGT 304286 431 450 coding CGACAGCCGT 63 431 450 0  13 GGTGGAATAG 304287 438 457 coding TTGGTGACGA 88 438 457 0  14 CAGCCGTGGT 304288 440 459 coding GATTGGTGAC 82 440 459 0  15 GACAGCCGTG 304289 442 461 coding GGGATTGGTG 78 442 461 0  16 ACGACAGCCG 304290 443 462 coding TGGGATTGGT 85 443 462 0  17 GACGACAGCC 304291 449 468 coding- ATTCCTTGGGA 52 449 468 0  18 stop TTGGTGACG codon 304292 450 469 coding- CATTCCTTGGG 34 450 469 0  19 stop ATTGGTGAC codon 304293 451 470 coding- TCATTCCTTGG 29 451 470 0  20 stop GATTGGTGA codon 304294 460 479 coding- AGAAGTCCCT 32 460 479 0  21 stop CATTCCTTGG codon- 3′ UTR 304296 481 500 3′- GTCCTTCAGGT 84 478 497 2  22 UTR CCACTGGAG 304297 489 508 3′- CATCCCTCGTC  0 486 505 1  23 UTR CTTCAGGTC 304298 501 520 3′- TACATGAAAT 26 498 517 0  24 UTR CCCATCCCTC 304299 507 526 3′- CTTGGTTACAT 85 504 523 0  25 UTR GAAATCCCA 304300 513 532 3′- AATACTCTTGG 49 510 529 0  26 UTR TTACATGAA 304301 526 545 3′UTR TTAGTAAAAA  0 523 542 0  27 TGGAATACTC 304302 532 551 3′UTR ACTGCTTTAGT 42 529 548 0  28 AAAAATGGA 304303 539 558 3′UTR TGAAAACACT 41 536 555 0  29 GCTTTAGTAA 304304 546 565 3′UTR TATGAGGTGA 49 543 562 0  30 AAACACTGCT 304307 564 583 3′UTR TGGACTTCTAA 73 561 580 2  31 CATAGCATA 304308 572 591 3′UTR TCTCTGCCTGG 55 569 588 1  32 ACTTCTAAC 304309  578 597 3′- TTATTGTCTCT 77 575 594 0  33 UTR GCCTGGACT 304311 597 616 3′- TGCCTTTCACA 80 594 613 0  34 UTR GGAATGTTT 304312 598 617 3′- GTGCCTTTCAC 71 595 614 0  35 UTR AGGAATGTT 420871 36 55 coding CAGAGGAGGA 48  36  55 0  36 GCAGACGATG 420872 120 139 coding TCTAGAACTTT 55 120 139 0  37 GACCATCAG 420873 212 231 coding TTTTCCCAGAG 54 212 231 0  38 GCAAATGGC 420874 226 245 coding TCCAGACTCAC 63 226 245 0  39 TGGTTTTCC 420875 271 290 coding TATCCCTTCTA 40 271 290 0  40 CAAATTCCT 420876 285 304 coding ATTTCCACTTT 42 285 304 0  41 GTATATCCC 420877 293 312 coding TGGTGTCTATT 76 293 312 0  42 TCCACTTTG 420878 303 322 coding CAGTAAGATTT 80 303 322 0  43 GGTGTCTAT 420879 307 326 coding CTTCCAGTAAG 73 307 326 0  44 ATTTGGTGT 420880 347 366 coding CCACCTCTGCA 76 347 366 0  45 TGCTCATGG 420881 355 374 coding TGTGAATACC 58 355 374 0  46 ACCTCTGCAT 420882 357 376 coding GCTGTGAATA 69 357 376 0  47 CCACCTCTGC 420883 362 381 coding CGTTGGCTGTG 64 362 381 0  48 AATACCACC 420884 428 447 coding CAGCCGTGGT 93 428 447 0  49 GGAATAGGAG 420885 430 449 coding GACAGCCGTG 93 430 449 0  50 GTGGAATAGG 420886 432 451 coding ACGACAGCCG 92 432 451 0  51 TGGTGGAATA 420887 433 452 coding GACGACAGCC 93 433 452 0  52 GTGGTGGAAT 420888 434 453 coding TGACGACAGC 95 434 453 0  53 CGTGGTGGAA 420889 435 454 coding GTGACGACAG 93 435 454 0  54 CCGTGGTGGA 420890 436 455 coding GGTGACGACA 97 436 455 0  55 GCCGTGGTGG 420891 437 456 coding TGGTGACGAC 97 437 456 0  56 AGCCGTGGTG 420892 439 458 coding ATTGGTGACG 93 439 458 0  57 ACAGCCGTGG 420893 441 460 coding GGATTGGTGA 96 441 460 0  58 CGACAGCCGT 420894 444 463 coding TTGGGATTGGT 88 444 463 0  59 GACGACAGC 420895 445 464 coding CTTGGGATTGG 95 445 464 0  60 TGACGACAG 420896 446 465 coding CCTTGGGATTG 95 446 465 0  61 GTGACGACA 420897 447 466 coding TCCTTGGGATT 94 447 466 0  62 GGTGACGAC 420898 448 467 coding- TTCCTTGGGAT 86 448 467 0  63 stop TGGTGACGA codon 420899 452 471 coding- CTCATTCCTTG 94 452 471 0  64 stop GGATTGGTG codon- 3′UTR 420900 453 472 coding- CCTCATTCCTT 92 453 472 0  65 stop GGGATTGGT codon- 3′UTR 420901 454 473 coding- CCCTCATTCCT 93 454 473 0  66 stop TGGGATTGG codon- 3′UTR 420902 455 474 coding- TCCCTCATTCC 75 455 474 0  67 stop TTGGGATTG codon- 3′UTR 420903 456 475 coding- GTCCCTCATTC 57 456 475 0  68 stop CTTGGGATT codon- 3′UTR 420904 457 476 coding- AGTCCCTCATT 62 457 476 0  69 stop CCTTGGGAT codon- 3′UTR 420905 458 477 coding- AAGTCCCTCAT 58 458 477 0  70 stop TCCTTGGGA codon- 3′UTR 420906 459 478 coding- GAAGTCCCTC 79 459 478 0  71 stop ATTCCTTGGG codon- 3′UTR 420907 461 480 coding- GAGAAGTCCC 59 461 480 0  72 stop TCATTCCTTG codon- 3′UTR 420908 462 481 coding- GGAGAAGTCC 75 462 481 0  73 stop CTCATTCCTT codon- 3′UTR 420909 500 519 3′UTR ACATGAAATC 82 497 516 0  74 CCATCCCTCG 420910 502 521 3′UTR TTACATGAAAT 74 499 518 0  75 CCCATCCCT 420911 503 522 3′UTR GTTACATGAA 81 500 519 0  76 ATCCCATCCC 420912 504 523 3′UTR GGTTACATGA 92 501 520 0  77 AATCCCATCC 420913 505 524 3′UTR TGGTTACATGA 95 502 521 0  78 AATCCCATC 420914 506 525 3′UTR TTGGTTACATG 93 503 522 0  79 AAATCCCAT 420915 508 527 3′UTR TCTTGGTTACA 92 505 524 0  80 TGAAATCCC 420916 509 528 3′UTR CTCTTGGTTAC 88 506 525 0  81 ATGAAATCC 420917 510 529 3′UTR ACTCTTGGTTA 92 507 526 0  82 CATGAAATC 420918 511 530 3′UTR TACTCTTGGTT 88 508 527 0  83 ACATGAAAT 420919 512 531 3′UTR ATACTCTTGGT 89 509 528 0  84 TACATGAAA 420920 514 533 3′UTR GAATACTCTTG 87 511 530 0  85 GTTACATGA 420921 515 534 3′UTR GGAATACTCTT 92 512 531 0  86 GGTTACATG 420922 516 535 3′UTR TGGAATACTCT 95 513 532 0  87 TGGTTACAT 420923 517 536 3′UTR ATGGAATACT 90 514 533 0  88 CTTGGTTACA 420924 518 537 3′UTR AATGGAATAC 75 515 534 0  89 TCTTGGTTAC 420925 519 538 3′UTR AAATGGAATA 87 516 535 0  90 CTCTTGGTTA 20926 520 539 3′UTR AAAATGGAAT 88 517 536 0  91 ACTCTTGGTT 420927 521 540 3′UTR AAAAATGGAA 50 518 537 0  92 TACTCTTGGT 420928 522 541 3′UTR TAAAAATGGA 26 519 538 0  93 ATACTCTTGG 420929 523 542 3′UTR GTAAAAATGG 56 520 539 0  94 AATACTCTTG 420930 524 543 3′UTR AGTAAAAATG 18 521 540 0  95 GAATACTCTT 420931 525 544 3′UTR TAGTAAAAAT 12 522 541 0  96 GGAATACTCT 420932 527 546 3′UTR TTTAGTAAAA  1 524 543 0  97 ATGGAATACT 420933 528 547 3′UTR CTTTAGTAAAA  0 525 544 0  98 ATGGAATAC 420934 529 548 3′UTR GCTTTAGTAAA  6 526 545 0  99 AATGGAATA 420935 530 549 3′UTR TGCTTTAGTAA  0 527 546 0 100 AAATGGAAT 420936 531 550 3′UTR CTGCTTTAGTA 40 528 547 0 101 AAAATGGAA 420937 533 552 3′UTR CACTGCTTTAG 47 530 549 0 102 TAAAAATGG 420938 534 553 3′UTR ACACTGCTTTA 30 531 550 0 103 GTAAAAATG 420939 535 554 3′UTR AACACTGCTTT  0 532 551 0 104 AGTAAAAAT 420940 536 555 3′UTR AAACACTGCTT  0 533 552 0 105 TAGTAAAAA 420941 537 556 3′UTR AAAACACTGC  0 534 553 0 106 TTTAGTAAAA 420942 538 557 3′UTR GAAAACACTG  0 535 554 0 107 CTTTAGTAAA 420943 540 559 3′UTR GTGAAAACAC 14 537 556 0 108 TGCTTTAGTA 420944 541 560 3′UTR GGTGAAAACA 43 538 557 0 109 CTGCTTTAGT 420945 542 561 3′UTR AGGTGAAAAC 41 539 558 0 110 ACTGCTTTAG 420946 543 562 3′UTR GAGGTGAAAA 20 540 559 0 111 CACTGCTTTA 420947 544 563 3′UTR TGAGGTGAAA 69 541 560 0 112 ACACTGCTTT 420948 545 564 3′UTR ATGAGGTGAA 63 542 561 0 113 AACACTGCTT 420949 579 598 3′UTR TTTATTGTCTC 84 576 595 0 114 TGCCTGGAC 420950 580 599 3′UTR TTTTATTGTCT 69 577 596 0 115 CTGCCTGGA 420951 581 600 3′UTR GTTTTATTGTC 87 578 597 0 116 TCTGCCTGG 420952 582 601 3′UTR TGTTTTATTGT 67 579 598 0 117 CTCTGCCTG 420953 583 602 3′UTR ATGTTTTATTG 51 580 599 0 118 TCTCTGCCT 420954 584 603 3′UTR AATGTTTTATT 60 581 600 0 119 GTCTCTGCC 420955 585 604 3′UTR GAATGTTTTAT 65 582 601 0 120 TGTCTCTGC 420956 586 605 3′UTR GGAATGTTTTA 67 583 602 0 121 TTGTCTCTG 420957 587 606 3′UTR AGGAATGTTTT 68 584 603 0 122 ATTGTCTCT 420958 588 607 3′UTR CAGGAATGTTT 45 585 604 0 123 TATTGTCTC 420959 589 608 3′UTR ACAGGAATGT 28 586 605 0 124 TTTATTGTCT

TABLE 2 Inhibition of human transthyretin mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides having 5-10-5 MOE wings and deoxy gap targeted to SEQ ID NO: 2 and SEQ ID NO: 4 Rhesus Rhesus Human Human monkey monkey SEQ ISIS Start Stop % start stop Mis- ID NO Site Site Region Sequence inhibition site site matches NO 420960  606  625 exon1- GATGTCACAG 13 1755 1774 0 125 intron1 AAACACTCAC 420961  665  684 intron GCAAAGCTGG  7 1814 1833 0 126 1 AAGGAGTCAC 20962  748  767 intron GAACTTCATTC  0 1897 1916 0 127 1 TTTTTGAAG 420963  882  901 intron AGCTTCCTTAA  0 2031 2050 0 128 1 TATCATATC 420964  966  985 intron TATAGGGCCA 10 2115 2134 0 129 1 GAATATAATC 420965 1010 1029 intron ACTAAGCCTTT 17 2159 2178 0 130 1 TAAAGATTA 420966 1208 1227 intron TGGAATTACT 35 2356 2375 0 131 1 GAAAAGATGT 420967 1289 1308 intron ACCAGGGATG 43 2437 2456 0 132 1 TGTATAATGA 420968 1364 1383 intron TCCCTACTCAG  0 2512 2531 0 133 1 TATAACACA 420969 1472 1491 intron GATCAGAGTG  0 2620 2639 0 134 1 AAAGGATTTA 420970 1687 1706 intron GGGAAGATAA 46 2826 2845 0 135 2 AACCAAGTCC 420971 1739 1758 intron TAAATTCTTTA  0 2878 2897 0 136 2 GCAGATGAT 420972 1842 1861 intron AATGATGCTC 23 2980 2999 0 137 2 AGGTTCCTGG 420973 2051 2070 intron TTGGTGTTACC  0 3187 3206 0 138 2 CAGGGACAC 420974 2207 2226 intron AAAGTGTTCA 29 3344 3363 0 139 2 TTAGGCAAAA 420975 2655 2674 intron GGCATTTTATA  0 3798 3817 0 140 2 TAAACATAA 420976 2733 2752 intron AAGAACATTG  0 3876 3895 0 141 2 GAATATTTTT 420977 2874 2893 intron GTTGGAAATT  9 4017 4036 0 142 2 GCTTCCCATT 420978 3015 3034 intron AGTGGAAAAC  0 4156 4175 0 143 2 CTAAAGTAGG 420979 3618 3637 intron TTCCCCTCAAC  0 4795 4814 0 144 2 TAAGTCAGA 420980 3735 3754 intron2- CCTATAAGGT  0 4930 4949 0 145 exon 3 GTGAAAGTCT 420981 4096 4115 intron TGTAAGTTCA  0 5291 5310 0 146 3 AGTCATGTTA 420982 4306 4325 intron GTGTTGCCAA  0 5502 5521 0 147 3 GAATCACTTG 420983 4404 4423 intron AAAACACTTA  0 5600 5619 0 148 3 TAATTGTGTC 420984 4518 4537 intron CTTTGACAAGT  0 5714 5733 0 149 3 TATTTGACT 420985 4880 4899 intron ATCCATGACT  0 6073 6092 0 150 3 AAGCCAGAGA 420986 5185 5204 intron ATGGTTCCCAT  0 6379 6398 0 151 3 CAGGCTGAG 420987 5542 5561 intron GCATTTATCAG  0 6732 6751 0 152 3 AAGAAGCTG 420988 6030 6049 intron TTGACCTTCAG  0 7226 7245 0 153 3 CCCACTTGA 420989 6133 6152 intron AGGAAGTGAG  0 7641 7660 0 154 3 AATCACCTAA 420990 6320 6339 intron AGAAGACAGT  0 7828 7847 0 155 3 AAAGATGTGT 420991 6457 6476 intron AAATTGTGGA  0 7966 7985 0 156 3 TCAAAATGCT 420992 6736 6755 intron AACCAGACTT  0 8246 8265 0 157 3 GAATTATTGT 420993 6811 6830 intron AGTGGCTGCC  0 8321 8340 0 158 3 AACCACAGAC 420994 7106 7125 intron GGAAGTCCAG  0 8615 8634 0 159 3 TGCCAACTTA 420995 7162 7181 intron ATCCATTTCCA  0 8670 8689 0 160 3 CCAGAGCCC

Due to the short length of the human transthyretin mRNA, a second primer probe set was designed away from the first primer probe set, RTS1396, to avoid amplicon oligonucleotides. The antisense oligonucleotides were also tested for their effects on transthyretin mRNA in vitro using new human primer probe set RTS3029 (forward sequence CTTGCTGGACTGGTATTTGTGTCT, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 161, reverse sequence AGAACTTTGACCATCAGAGGACACT, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 162; probe sequence CCCTACGGGCACCGGTGAATCCX, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 163). Cultured HepG2 cells at a density of 10,000 cells per well were transfected using lipofectin reagent with 50 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells. The results are presented in Table 3 as percent inhibition of the PBS control cell set.

TABLE 3 Inhibition of human transthyretin mRNA levels by chimeric antisense oligonucleotides having 5-10-5 MOE wings and deoxy gap with primer probe set RTS3029 ISIS NO Region % inhibition 304267 coding 13 304268 coding 10 304280 coding 23 304284 coding 10 304285 coding 34 304286 coding 0 304287 coding 34 304288 coding 45 304289 coding 3 304290 coding 16 304291 coding-stop codon 4 304292 coding-stop codon 10 304293 coding-stop codon 14 304294 stop codon-3′ UTR 30 304296 exon 4 78 304297 exon 4 29 304298 exon 4 19 304299 exon 4 85 304300 exon 4 52 304301 exon 4 15 304302 exon 4 45 304303 exon 4 51 304304 exon 4 62 304307 exon 4 76 304308 exon 4 63 304309 exon 4 75 304311 exon 4 81 304312 exon 4 68 420871 coding 0 420872 coding 5 420873 coding 19 420874 coding 0 420875 coding 6 420876 coding 20 420877 coding 28 420878 coding 37 420879 coding 34 420880 coding 36 420881 coding 10 420882 coding 27 420883 coding 13 420884 coding 28 420885 coding 4 420886 coding 21 420887 coding 39 420888 coding 37 420889 coding 9 420890 coding 27 420891 coding 39 420892 coding 43 420893 coding 39 420894 coding 0 420895 coding 0 420896 coding 24 420897 coding 31 420898 coding- 0 420899 stop codon-3′UTR 41 420900 stop codon-3′UTR 26 420901 stop codon-3′UTR 28 420902 stop codon-3′UTR 20 420903 stop codon-3′UTR 20 420904 stop codon-3′UTR 22 420905 stop codon-3′UTR 32 420906 stop codon-3′UTR 13 420907 -stop codon-3′UTR 0 420908 stop codon-3′UTR 45 420909 3′UTR 41 420910 3′UTR 14 420911 3′UTR 45 420912 3′UTR 62 420913 3′UTR 81 420914 3′UTR 68 420915 3′UTR 71 420916 3′UTR 54 420917 3′UTR 50 420918 3′UTR 43 420919 3′UTR 65 420920 3′UTR 61 420921 3′UTR 65 420922 3′UTR 68 420923 3′UTR 62 420924 3′UTR 9 420925 3′UTR 17 420926 3′UTR 47 420927 3′UTR 57 420928 3′UTR 51 420929 3′UTR 46 420930 3′UTR 39 420931 3′UTR 14 420932 3′UTR 6 420933 3′UTR 1 420934 3′UTR 48 420935 3′UTR 13 420936 3′UTR 62 420937 3′UTR 65 420938 3′UTR 48 420939 3′UTR 7 420940 3′UTR 3 420941 3′UTR 31 420942 3′UTR 0 420943 3′UTR 40 420944 3′UTR 78 420945 3′UTR 58 420946 3′UTR 52 420947 3′UTR 71 420948 3′UTR 73 420949 3′UTR 88 420950 3′UTR 82 420951 3′UTR 90 420952 3′UTR 82 420953 3′UTR 71 420954 3′UTR 67 420955 3′UTR 73 420956 3′UTR 65 420957 3′UTR 74 420958 3′UTR 69 420959 3′UTR 63 420960 exon1-intron1 14 420961 intron 1 16 420962 intron 1 0 420963 intron 1 0 420964 intron 1 14 420965 intron 1 23 420966 intron 1 25 420967 intron 1 12 420968 intron 1 0 420969 intron 1 0 420970 intron 2 25 420971 intron 2 0 420972 intron 2 25 420973 intron 2 7 420974 intron 2 28 420975 intron 2 9 420976 intron 2 21 420977 intron 2 14 420978 intron 2 37 420979 intron 2 37 420980 intron2-exon 3 16 420981 intron 3 0 420982 intron 3 28 420983 intron 3 0 420984 intron 3 0 420985 intron 3 0 420986 intron 3 7 420987 intron 3 0 420988 intron 3 0 420989 intron 3 0 420990 intron 3 6 420991 intron 3 15 420992 intron 3 0 420993 intron 3 0 420994 intron 3 0 420995 intron 3 10

Based on the inhibition results using the new primer probe set RTS3029, antisense oligonucleotides exhibiting 50% or more inhibition of transthyretin mRNA were selected for further studies.

Example 2 Antisense Inhibition of Human Transthyretin in HepG2 Cells by Oligonucleotides Designed by Microwalk

Additional gapmers were designed based on the gapmers presented in Table 3 that demonstrated an inhibition of at least 50%. These gapmers were designed by creating gapmers shifted slightly upstream and downstream (i.e. “microwalk”) of the original gapmers from Table 3. Gapmers were also created with various motifs, e.g. 5-10-5 MOE, 3-14-3 MOE, 2-13-5 MOE, and 4-11-5 MOE motifs. These gapmers were tested in vitro. Cultured HepG2 cells at a density of 10,000 cells per well were transfected using lipofectin reagent with 50 nM antisense oligonucleotide. After a treatment period of approximately 24 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The human primer probe set RTS3029 was used to measure transthyretin mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells. The results are presented in Table 4.

The chimeric antisense oligonucleotides in Table 4 were designed as 5-10-5 MOE, 3-14-3 MOE, 2-13-5 MOE or 4-11-5 MOE gapmers. The gapmers designated with an asterisk (*) in Table 4 are the original gapmers from which gapmers, ISIS 425650-425763, were designed via microwalk. The 5-10-5 gapmers are 20 nucleotides in length, wherein the central gap segment is comprised of ten 2′-deoxynucleotides and is flanked on both sides (in the 5′ and 3′ directions) by wings comprising five nucleotides each. The 3-14-3 gapmers are 20 nucleotides in length, wherein the central gap segment is comprised of fourteen 2′-deoxynucleotides and is flanked on both sides (in the 5′ and 3′ directions) by wings comprising three nucleotides each. The 2-13-5 gapmers are 20 nucleotides in length, wherein the central gap segment is comprised of thirteen 2′-deoxynucleotides and is flanked on the 5′ and the 3′ directions with wings comprising two and five nucleotides respectively. The 4-11-5 gapmers are 20 nucleotides in length, wherein the central gap segment is comprised of eleven 2′-deoxynucleotides and is flanked on the 5′ and the 3′ directions with wings comprising four and five nucleotides respectively. For each of the motifs (5-10-5, 3-14-3, 2-113-5, and 4-11-5), each nucleotide in the 5′ wing segment and each nucleotide in the 3′ wing segment has a 2′-MOE modification. The internucleoside linkages throughout each gapmer are phosphorothioate (P═S) linkages. All cytidine residues throughout each gapmer are 5-methylcytidines. “Target start site” indicates the 5′-most nucleotide to which the gapmer is targeted. “Target stop site” indicates the 3′-most nucleotide to which the gapmer is targeted. Each gapmer listed in Table 4 is targeted to the target region spanning nucleobases 481-619 of SEQ ID NO: 1 (GENBANK Accession No. NM_(—)000371.2).

As shown in Table 4, several of the gapmers exhibited at least 50% inhibition, including ISIS numbers: 304296, 425655, 425695, 425735, 425649, 425656, 425696, 425736, 420912, 425657, 425697, 425737, 420913, 425658, 425698, 425738, 420914, 425659, 425699, 425739, 304299, 425660, 425700, 425740, 420915, 420916, 425662, 425702, 420919, 425703, 420920, 425664, 425704, 425742, 420921, 425665, 425705, 425743, 420922, 425666, 425706, 420923, 420937, 420944, 425669, 425709, 425746, 425710, 425711, 425747, 420948, 425712, 425748, 425673, 425713, 425749, 425651, 425675, 425715, 425751, 304309, 425676, 425716, 425752, 420949, 425677, 425717, 425753, 420950, 425678, 425718, 425754, 420951, 425679, 425719, 425755, 420952, 425680, 425720, 425756, 420953, 425681, 425721, 425757, 420954, 425722, 425758, 420955, 425759, 425724, 425760, 425762, 304310, 425729, 425764, 425653, 425690, 425730, 425765, 304311, 425691, 425731, 425766, 304312, 425692, 425732, 425767, 425654, 425693, 425733, 425768, 304313, 425734, and 425769.

Several of the gapmers exhibited at least 60% inhibition, including ISIS numbers: 304296, 425655, 425695, 425735, 425649, 425656, 425696, 425736, 420912, 425657, 425697, 425737, 420913, 425658, 425698, 425738, 420914, 425659, 425739, 304299, 425740, 420915, 425702, 420919, 420920, 425742, 420921, 425665, 425705, 425706, 420923, 425746, 425711, 425747, 420948, 425712, 425748, 425651, 425715, 425751, 304309, 425716, 425752, 425677, 425717, 425753, 420950, 425718, 425754, 420951, 425679, 425719, 425755, 420952, 425680, 425720, 420953, 425681, 425721, 425757, 420954, 425722, 425758, 420955, 425724, 425760, 425764, 425653, 425690, 425730, 425765, 304311, 425691, 425731, 425766, 304312, 425692, 425732, 425767, 425654, 425693, 425733, 304313, and 425769.

Several of the gapmers exhibited at least 70% inhibition, including ISIS numbers: 304296, 425655, 425695, 425735, 425649, 425656, 425696, 425736, 420912, 425657, 425737, 420913, 425738, 420914, 425659, 304299, 420915, 420920, 425742, 425712, 425748, 425716, 425754, 420951, 425679, 425719, 425755, 425680, 425721, 425757, 425760, 425653, 425690, 425730, 425765, 304311, 425691, 425731, 425766, 304312, 425767, 425693, and 304313.

Several of the gapmers exhibited at least 80% inhibition, including ISIS numbers: 304296, 425655, 425695, 425736, 420913, 425659, 304299, 420915, 425716, 425754, 425719, 425757, 425765, and 425767.

Several of the gapmers exhibited at least 85% inhibition, including ISIS numbers: 420913, 425716, 425754, and 425719.

One gapmer, ISIS 425719, exhibited 90% inhibition.

TABLE 4 Inhibition of human transthyretin mRNA levels by   chimeric antisense oligonucleotides targeted to  SEQ ID NO: 1 (GENBANK Accession No. NM_000371.2) SEQ Start Stop % ID OligoID Site Site Sequence Motif inhibition NO *304296 481 500 GTCCTTCAGGTCCACTGGAG 5-10-5 83  22  425655 481 500 GTCCTTCAGGTCCACTGGAG 3-14-3 80  22  425695 481 500 GTCCTTCAGGTCCACTGGAG 2-13-5 80  22  425735 481 500 GTCCTTCAGGTCCACTGGAG 4-11-5 72  22  425649 482 501 CGTCCTTCAGGTCCACTGGA 5-10-5 75 170  425656 482 501 CGTCCTTCAGGTCCACTGGA 3-14-3 78 170  425696 482 501 CGTCCTTCAGGTCCACTGGA 2-13-5 74 170  425736 482 501 CGTCCTTCAGGTCCACTGGA 4-11-5 83 170 *420912 504 523 GGTTACATGAAATCCCATCC 5-10-5 73  77  425657 504 523 GGTTACATGAAATCCCATCC 3-14-3 76  77  425697 504 523 GGTTACATGAAATCCCATCC 2-13-5 69  77  425737 504 523 GGTTACATGAAATCCCATCC 4-11-5 78  77 *420913 505 524 TGGTTACATGAAATCCCATC 5-10-5 89  78  425658 505 524 TGGTTACATGAAATCCCATC 3-14-3 69  78  425698 505 524 TGGTTACATGAAATCCCATC 2-13-5 61  78  425738 505 524 TGGTTACATGAAATCCCATC 4-11-5 78  78 *420914 506 525 TTGGTTACATGAAATCCCAT 5-10-5 70  79  425659 506 525 TTGGTTACATGAAATCCCAT 3-14-3 83  79  425699 506 525 TTGGTTACATGAAATCCCAT 2-13-5 56  79  425739 506 525 TTGGTTACATGAAATCCCAT 4-11-5 69  79 *304299 507 526 CTTGGTTACATGAAATCCCA 5-10-5 83  25  425660 507 526 CTTGGTTACATGAAATCCCA 3-14-3 59  25  425700 507 526 CTTGGTTACATGAAATCCCA 2-13-5 52  25  425740 507 526 CTTGGTTACATGAAATCCCA 4-11-5 69  25 *420915 508 527 TCTTGGTTACATGAAATCCC 5-10-5 81  80  425661 508 527 TCTTGGTTACATGAAATCCC 3-14-3 48  80  425701 508 527 TCTTGGTTACATGAAATCCC 2-13-5 41  80  425741 508 527 TCTTGGTTACATGAAATCCC 4-11-5 37  80 *420916 509 528 CTCTTGGTTACATGAAATCC 5-10-5 52  81  425662 509 528 CTCTTGGTTACATGAAATCC 3-14-3 57  81  425702 509 528 CTCTTGGTTACATGAAATCC 2-13-5 63  81 *420919 512 531 ATACTCTTGGTTACATGAAA 5-10-5 69  84  425663 512 531 ATACTCTTGGTTACATGAAA 3-14-3 46  84  425703 512 531 ATACTCTTGGTTACATGAAA 2-13-5 52  84 *420920 514 533 GAATACTCTTGGTTACATGA 5-10-5 71  85  425664 514 533 GAATACTCTTGGTTACATGA 3-14-3 57  85  425704 514 533 GAATACTCTTGGTTACATGA 2-13-5 58  85  425742 514 533 GAATACTCTTGGTTACATGA 4-11-5 71  85 *420921 515 534 GGAATACTCTTGGTTACATG 5-10-5 68  86  425665 515 534 GGAATACTCTTGGTTACATG 3-14-3 65  86  425705 515 534 GGAATACTCTTGGTTACATG 2-13-5 60  86  425743 515 534 GGAATACTCTTGGTTACATG 4-11-5 56  86 *420922 516 535 TGGAATACTCTTGGTTACAT 5-10-5 54  87  425666 516 535 TGGAATACTCTTGGTTACAT 3-14-3 56  87  425706 516 535 TGGAATACTCTTGGTTACAT 2-13-5 64  87  425744 516 535 TGGAATACTCTTGGTTACAT 4-11-5 39  87 *420923 517 536 ATGGAATACTCTTGGTTACA 5-10-5 62  88  425667 517 536 ATGGAATACTCTTGGTTACA 3-14-3 44  88  425707 517 536 ATGGAATACTCTTGGTTACA 2-13-5 30  88 *420937 533 552 CACTGCTTTAGTAAAAATGG 5-10-5 59 102  425668 533 552 CACTGCTTTAGTAAAAATGG 3-14-3 37 102  425708 533 552 CACTGCTTTAGTAAAAATGG 2-13-5 32 102  425745 533 552 CACTGCTTTAGTAAAAATGG 4-11-5 43 102 *420944 541 560 GGTGAAAACACTGCTTTAGT 5-10-5 52 109  425669 541 560 GGTGAAAACACTGCTTTAGT 3-14-3 54 109  425709 541 560 GGTGAAAACACTGCTTTAGT 2-13-5 54 109  425746 541 560 GGTGAAAACACTGCTTTAGT 4-11-5 60 109 *420945 542 561 AGGTGAAAACACTGCTTTAG 5-10-5 38 110  425670 542 561 AGGTGAAAACACTGCTTTAG 3-14-3 38 110  425710 542 561 AGGTGAAAACACTGCTTTAG 2-13-5 52 110 *420947 544 563 TGAGGTGAAAACACTGCTTT 5-10-5 34 112  425671 544 563 TGAGGTGAAAACACTGCTTT 3-14-3 27 112  425711 544 563 TGAGGTGAAAACACTGCTTT 2-13-5 68 112  425747 544 563 TGAGGTGAAAACACTGCTTT 4-11-5 61 112 *420948 545 564 ATGAGGTGAAAACACTGCTT 5-10-5 66 113  425672 545 564 ATGAGGTGAAAACACTGCTT 3-14-3 47 113  425712 545 564 ATGAGGTGAAAACACTGCTT 2-13-5 70 113  425748 545 564 ATGAGGTGAAAACACTGCTT 4-11-5 71 113 *304304 546 565 TATGAGGTGAAAACACTGCT 5-10-5 46  30  425673 546 565 TATGAGGTGAAAACACTGCT 3-14-3 51  30  425713 546 565 TATGAGGTGAAAACACTGCT 2-13-5 50  30  425749 546 565 TATGAGGTGAAAACACTGCT 4-11-5 58  30  425650 547 566 ATATGAGGTGAAAACACTGC 5-10-5 28 171  425674 547 566 ATATGAGGTGAAAACACTGC 3-14-3 40 171  425714 547 566 ATATGAGGTGAAAACACTGC 2-13-5 44 171  425750 547 566 ATATGAGGTGAAAACACTGC 4-11-5 47 171  425651 577 596 TATTGTCTCTGCCTGGACTT 5-10-5 65 172  425675 577 596 TATTGTCTCTGCCTGGACTT 3-14-3 55 172  425715 577 596 TATTGTCTCTGCCTGGACTT 2-13-5 65 172  425751 577 596 TATTGTCTCTGCCTGGACTT 4-11-5 62 172 *304309 578 597 TTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGACT 5-10-5 66  33  425676 578 597 TTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGACT 3-14-3 59  33  425716 578 597 TTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGACT 2-13-5 87  33  425752 578 597 TTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGACT 4-11-5 67  33 *420949 579 598 TTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGAC 5-10-5 57 114  425677 579 598 TTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGAC 3-14-3 67 114  425717 579 598 TTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGAC 2-13-5 68 114  425753 579 598 TTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGAC 4-11-5 69 114 *420950 580 599 TTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGA 5-10-5 61 115  425678 580 599 TTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGA 3-14-3 59 115  425718 580 599 TTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGA 2-13-5 69 115  425754 580 599 TTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGGA 4-11-5 86 115 *420951 581 600 GTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGG 5-10-5 78 116  425679 581 600 GTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGG 3-14-3 73 116  425719 581 600 GTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGG 2-13-5 90 116  425755 581 600 GTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGG 4-11-5 73 116 *420952 582 601 TGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTG 5-10-5 61 117  425680 582 601 TGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTG 3-14-3 77 117  425720 582 601 TGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTG 2-13-5 67 117  425756 582 601 TGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTG 4-11-5 57 117 *420953  583 602 ATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCT 5-10-5 65 118  425681 583 602 ATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCT 3-14-3 61 118  425721 583 602 ATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCT 2-13-5 77 118  425757 583 602 ATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCT 4-11-5 83 118 *420954 584 603 AATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCC 5-10-5 63 119  425682 584 603 AATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCC 3-14-3 42 119  425722 584 603 AATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCC 2-13-5 69 119  425758 584 603 AATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGCC 4-11-5 61 119 *420955 585 604 GAATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGC 5-10-5 65 120  425683 585 604 GAATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGC 3-14-3 30 120  425723 585 604 GAATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGC 2-13-5 44 120  425759 585 604 GAATGTTTTATTGTCTCTGC 4-11-5 50 120 *420956 586 605 GGAATGTTTTATTGTCTCTG 5-10-5 47 121  425684 586 605 GGAATGTTTTATTGTCTCTG 3-14-3 44 121  425724 586 605 GGAATGTTTTATTGTCTCTG 2-13-5 65 121 *420957 587 606 AGGAATGTTTTATTGTCTCT 5-10-5 37 122  425685 587 606 AGGAATGTTTTATTGTCTCT 3-14-3 46 122  425725 587 606 AGGAATGTTTTATTGTCTCT 2-13-5 43 122  425760 587 606 AGGAATGTTTTATTGTCTCT 4-11-5 78 122 *420958 588 607 CAGGAATGTTTTATTGTCTC 5-10-5 41 123  425686 588 607 CAGGAATGTTTTATTGTCTC 3-14-3  6 123  425726 588 607 CAGGAATGTTTTATTGTCTC 2-13-5 41 123  425761 588 607 CAGGAATGTTTTATTGTCTC 4-11-5 39 123 *420959 589 608 ACAGGAATGTTTTATTGTCT 5-10-5 43 124  425687 589 608 ACAGGAATGTTTTATTGTCT 3-14-3 22 124  425727 589 608 ACAGGAATGTTTTATTGTCT 2-13-5 25 124  425762 589 608 ACAGGAATGTTTTATTGTCT 4-11-5 57 124  425652 590 609 CACAGGAATGTTTTATTGTC 5-10-5 23 173  425688 590 609 CACAGGAATGTTTTATTGTC 3-14-3 11 173  425728 590 609 CACAGGAATGTTTTATTGTC 2-13-5 37 173  425763 590 609 CACAGGAATGTTTTATTGTC 4-11-5 38 173  304310 595 614 CCTTTCACAGGAATGTTTTA 5-10-5 57 174  425689 595 614 CCTTTCACAGGAATGTTTTA 3-14-3 38 174  425729 595 614 CCTTTCACAGGAATGTTTTA 2-13-5 58 174  425764 595 614 CCTTTCACAGGAATGTTTTA 4-11-5 60 174  425653 596 615 GCCTTTCACAGGAATGTTTT 5-10-5 79 175  425690 596 615 GCCTTTCACAGGAATGTTTT 3-14-3 73 175  425730 596 615 GCCTTTCACAGGAATGTTTT 2-13-5 76 175  425765 596 615 GCCTTTCACAGGAATGTTTT 4-11-5 83 175 *304311 597 616 TGCCTTTCACAGGAATGTTT 5-10-5 71  34  425691 597 616 TGCCTTTCACAGGAATGTTT 3-14-3 74  34  425731 597 616 TGCCTTTCACAGGAATGTTT 2-13-5 73  34  425766 597 616 TGCCTTTCACAGGAATGTTT 4-11-5 79  34 *304312 598 617 GTGCCTTTCACAGGAATGTT 5-10-5 71  35  425692 598 617 GTGCCTTTCACAGGAATGTT 3-14-3 69  35  425732 598 617 GTGCCTTTCACAGGAATGTT 2-13-5 67  35  425767 598 617 GTGCCTTTCACAGGAATGTT 4-11-5 83  35  425654 599 618 AGTGCCTTTCACAGGAATGT 5-10-5 64 176  425693 599 618 AGTGCCTTTCACAGGAATGT 3-14-3 79 176  425733 599 618 AGTGCCTTTCACAGGAATGT 2-13-5 68 176  425768 599 618 AGTGCCTTTCACAGGAATGT 4-11-5 50 176  304313 600 619 AAGTGCCTTTCACAGGAATG 5-10-5 73 177  425694 600 619 AAGTGCCTTTCACAGGAATG 3-14-3 45 177  425734 600 619 AAGTGCCTTTCACAGGAATG 2-13-5 55 177  425769 600 619 AAGTGCCTTTCACAGGAATG 4-11-5 62 177

Example 3 Dose-Dependent Antisense Inhibition of Human Transthyretin in HepG2 Cells

Gapmers from Example 2 exhibiting significant in vitro inhibition of human transthyretin were tested at various doses in HepG2 cells. Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 625 nM, 1250 nM, 2500 nM, 5000 nM and 10000 nM concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 5. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human transthyretin primer probe set RTS3029 was used to measure mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells.

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of each oligonucleotide is also presented in Table 5 and was calculated by plotting the concentrations of oligonucleotides used versus the percent inhibition of transthyretin mRNA expression achieved at each concentration, and noting the concentration of oligonucleotide at which 50% inhibition of transthyretin mRNA expression was achieved compared to the control. As illustrated in Table 5, transthyretin mRNA levels were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells.

TABLE 5 Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human transthyretin in HepG2 cells using electroporation ISIS 625 1250 2500 5000 10000 IC₅₀ NO nM nM nM nM nM (μM) 304296 57 74 83 91 96 <0.625 304299 43 76 82 95 94 0.627 420913 59 75 90 88 98 <0.625 420915 60 85 91 95 99 <0.625 420951 64 77 90 97 99 <0.625 425653 70 86 86 88 82 <0.625 425655 48 80 85 97 96 <0.625 425656 70 89 92 92 96 <0.625 425659 46 56 68 82 93 0.8 425679 63 77 72 94 97 <0.625 425680 28 79 85 93 98 0.8 425693 2 64 74 76 81 1.7 425695 74 87 91 97 98 <0.625 425716 69 84 95 97 98 <0.625 425719 58 84 92 96 98 <0.625 425721 40 75 89 95 98 0.7 425736 64 71 86 93 93 <0.625 425737 78 93 95 97 98 <0.625 425738 40 77 88 94 95 0.7 425754 56 75 87 96 99 <0.625 425755 58 84 88 94 97 <0.625 425757 62 82 94 97 99 <0.625 425760 58 42 74 85 93 <0.625 425765 81 86 87 83 88 <0.625 425766 83 89 81 75 74 <0.625 425767 56 75 83 81 80 <0.625

Gapmers from Example 2 were also tested at various doses in HepG2 cells using the transfection reagent, lipofectin. Cells were plated at a density of 10,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 6.25 nM, 12.5 nM, 25 nM, 50 nM and 100 nM concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 6. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human transthyretin primer probe set RTS3029 was used to measure mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 6, transthyretin mRNA levels were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells.

TABLE 6 Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human transthyretin in HepG2 cells using lipofectin reagent ISIS 6.25 12.5 50 100 IC₅₀ NO nM nM 25 nM nM (nM) (nM) 304296 26 41 43 52 65 39 304299 22 70 43 74 83 20 420913 4 60 60 68 82 30 420915 36 31 46 64 67 28 420951 10 37 56 85 84 19 425653 25 38 60 74 77 18 425655 27 15 62 79 81 16 425656 37 62 47 69 82 15 425659 17 35 33 79 73 30 425679 32 6 63 79 77 14 425680 16 48 41 84 84 28 425693 10 19 51 66 61 26 425695 36 23 54 76 84 28 425716 57 52 36 85 81 38 425719 25 39 28 60 76 45 425721 0 22 38 73 75 32 425736 25 60 30 77 80 22 425737 36 52 50 60 76 14 425738 13 15 19 65 70 27 425754 8 18 38 75 71 42 425755 26 46 54 77 86 20 425757 0 37 81 83 71 19 425760 28 46 72 70 80 18 425765 0 52 48 66 69 29 425766 24 19 48 69 71 29 425767 41 49 48 65 75 14

Example 4 Dose-Dependent Antisense Inhibition of Human Transthyretin in HepG2 Cells

Gapmers selected from Example 3 were tested at various doses in HepG2 cells. Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.0617 μM, 0.1852 μM, 0.5556 μM, 1.6667 μM and 5 μM concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 7. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human transthyretin primer probe set RTS3029 was used to measure mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 7, transthyretin mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells.

TABLE 7 Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human transthyretin in HepG2 cells using electroporation ISIS 0.0617 0.1852 0.5556 1.6667 IC₅₀ NO μM μM μM μM 5 μM (μM) 304296 0 6 44 58 83 1.2 304299 38 10 57 83 92 0.6 420913 51 51 54 73 93 0.2 420915 33 35 62 65 93 0.2 420951 40 33 36 82 96 0.4 425653 55 58 74 72 84 <0.06 425655 8 35 54 57 90 0.5 425656 12 43 43 78 94 0.4 425659 14 35 19 46 82 0.6 425679 30 13 23 69 91 0.8 425680 0 35 45 74 84 0.7 425693 0 6 14 32 59 3.4 425695 15 47 61 81 91 0.3 425716 20 17 53 77 91 0.6 425719 0 14 45 78 94 0.8 425721 0 0 22 74 84 0.9 425736 42 43 56 76 91 0.3 425737 21 29 61 81 97 0.3 425738 14 39 57 74 93 0.4 425754 29 34 45 78 94 0.4 425755 8 21 57 78 95 0.5 425757 29 28 62 83 95 0.4 425760 3 6 9 56 77 1.4 425765 24 51 75 77 88 0.3 425766 7 41 59 73 77 0.3 425767 1 18 49 66 79 1.0

Example 5 Dose Response Confirmation of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in Hep3B cells

Gapmers from Example 4 exhibiting significant in vitro inhibition of human transthyretin were tested at various doses in Hep3B cells. Cells were plated at a density of 20,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.0206 μM, 0.062 μM, 0.185 μM, 0.556 μM, 1.667 μM and 5 μM concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 8. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human transthyretin primer probe set RTS1396 was used to measure mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 8, transthyretin mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells. The IC₅₀ of each oligonucleotide is also presented in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human transthyretin in Hep3B cells using electroporation ISIS 0.0206 0.062 0.185 0.556 1.667 5 IC₅₀ NO μM μM μM μM μM μM (μM) 304299 27 2 25 52 76 96 0.5 420915 0 12 27 30 69 93 0.8 425653 23 13 55 86 88 91 0.1 425655 3 30 32 62 84 94 0.3 425656 0 0 29 66 82 95 0.5 425679 0 21 36 71 92 97 0.3 425695 37 23 63 79 94 98 0.1 425736 31 43 40 64 82 95 0.1 425737 0 13 62 82 95 98 0.2 425755 17 8 18 69 86 98 0.4 425757 22 47 53 79 96 98 0.2

Example 6 Dose Response Confirmation of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in Human Transthyretin-Transgenic Mouse Primary Hepatocytes

Gapmers from Example 5 were also tested at various doses in primary hepatocytes of human transthyretin-transgenic mice. ISIS 304309, ISIS 304311, ISIS 304312 and ISIS 420951 (see Example 2) were also retested along with these gapmers under the same culture conditions. Cells were plated at a density of 10,000 cells per well and transfected using cytofectin with 18.75 nM, 37.5 nM, 75 nM, 150 nM and 300 nM concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 9. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human transthyretin primer probe set RTS1396 was used to measure mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 9, transthyretin mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells.

TABLE 9 Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human transthyretin in mouse primary hepatocytes using cytofectin ISIS 18.75 37.5 75 150 300 NO nM nM nM nM nM Motif 304299 54 79 97 98 99 5-10-5 304309 48 77 94 99 99 5-10-5 304311 45 79 92 96 98 5-10-5 304312 33 71 89 96 98 5-10-5 420915 40 70 92 98 99 5-10-5 420951 41 86 96 98 99 5-10-5 425653 44 81 93 96 99 5-10-5 425655 61 88 96 99 99 3-14-3 425656 61 84 94 98 99 3-14-3 425679 74 78 97 98 99 3-14-3 425695 66 84 96 98 99 2-13-5 425736 58 84 95 98 99 4-11-5 425737 57 77 95 98 99 4-11-5 425755 61 82 96 99 99 4-11-5 425757 37 77 93 98 98 4-11-5

Example 7 Dose Response Confirmation of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in HepG2 Cells

Gapmers from Example 6 were tested at various doses in HepG2 cells. Cells were plated at a density of 10,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 0.062 μl\4, 0.185 μl\4, 0.556 μl\4, 1.66 μM and 5000 μM concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 10. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human transthyretin primer probe set RTS1396 was used to measure mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 10, transthyretin mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells.

TABLE 10 Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human transthyretin in HepG2 cells using electroporation ISIS 0.062 0.185 0.556 1.667 5.000 IC₅₀ NO μM μM μM μM μM (μM) Motif 304299 55 66 72 87 96 0.037 5-10-5 304309 41 65 72 91 96 0.087 5-10-5 304311 57 83 88 89 83 0.001 5-10-5 304312 46 69 74 84 81 0.038 5-10-5 420915 38 62 80 90 98 0.096 5-10-5 420951 45 71 84 93 97 0.049 5-10-5 425653 48 73 87 88 82 0.017 5-10-5 425655 40 57 77 85 95 0.105 3-14-3 425656 28 54 70 94 97 0.177 3-14-3 425679 43 51 81 95 99 0.106 3-14-3 425695 49 67 90 96 99 0.043 2-13-5 425736 32 63 85 95 98 0.108 4-11-5 425737 42 71 90 98 99 0.053 4-11-5 425755 24 63 85 95 99 0.137 4-11-5 425757 21 62 86 96 99 0.148 4-11-5

Example 8 Dose Response Confirmation of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in Human Transthyretin-Transgenic Mouse Primary Hepatocytes

Gapmers from Example 6 were also tested at various doses in primary hepatocytes of human transthyretin-transgenic mice. Cells were plated at a density of 10,000 cells per well and transfected using cytofectin with 5 nM, 10 nM, 20 nM, 40 nM and 80 nM concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 11. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human transthyretin primer probe set RTS3029 was used to measure mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 11, transthyretin mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in antisense oligonucleotide treated cells.

TABLE 11 Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human transthyretin in mouse primary hepatocytes using cytofectin ISIS NO 5 nM 10 nM 20 nM 40 nM 80 nM Motif 304299 0 8 37 69 90 5-10-5 304309 0 9 39 75 93 5-10-5 304311 1 13 43 70 81 5-10-5 304312 0 3 32 64 76 5-10-5 420915 0 0 34 59 87 5-10-5 420951 0 12 57 84 92 5-10-5 425653 0 9 44 72 84 5-10-5 425655 0 19 45 80 91 3-14-3 425656 0 2 33 70 93 3-14-3 425679 0 13 42 72 90 3-14-3 425695 3 12 33 70 90 2-13-5 425736 2 7 37 70 89 4-11-5 425737 0 4 36 65 89 4-11-5 425755 0 25 50 75 94 4-11-5 425757 0 5 43 72 92 4-11-5

Gapmers were also tested using electroporation as the transfection agent. Cells were plated at a density of 35,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 148.148 nM, 444.444 nM, 1,333.333 nM, 4,000 nM and 12,000 nM concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 12. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human transthyretin primer probe set RTS3029 was used to measure mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells.

TABLE 12 Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human transthyretin in mouse primary hepatocytes using electroporation ISIS 148.148 444.444 1333.333 4000 12000 NO nM nM nM nM nM Motif 304299 75 96 98 98 99 5-10-5 304309 72 96 98 98 98 5-10-5 304311 68 92 93 94 97 5-10-5 304312 50 84 92 93 97 5-10-5 420915 55 89 96 96 97 5-10-5 420951 65 92 95 96 98 5-10-5 425653 68 89 91 93 95 5-10-5 425655 63 94 96 96 96 3-14-3 425656 69 93 98 98 98 3-14-3 425679 63 92 97 98 98 3-14-3 425695 69 92 96 96 95 2-13-5 425736 75 93 96 96 96 4-11-5 425737 71 94 96 96 95 4-11-5 425755 70 93 95 95 95 4-11-5 425757 61 91 95 95 95 4-11-5

Example 9 Dose Response Confirmation of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in Cynomolgus Monkey Primary Hepatocytes

Gapmers from Example 6 were also tested at various doses in primary hepatocytes of cynomolgus monkeys. Cells were plated at a density of 35,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 1,250 nM, 2,500 nM, 5,000 nM, 10,000 nM and 20,000 nM concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 13. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human transthyretin primer probe set RTS1396 was used to measure mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 13, transthyretin mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in hepatocytes treated with ISIS oligonucleotides.

In absence of a complete cynomolgus monkey gene sequence in the NCBI database, the oligonucleotides were tested for cross-reactivity against the rhesus monkey gene sequence, since the two species are from the same genus, ‘Macaca’. The human oligonucleotides are cross-reactive with rhesus monkey transthyretin gene, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 4 (exons 1-4 extracted from GENBANK Accession No. NW_(—)001105671.1). ‘Mismatches’ indicates the number of mismatches between the human oligonucleotide and the rhesus monkey transthyretin gene. ‘n/a’ indicates that the human oligonucleotide has more than 3 mismatches with the rhesus monkey transthyretin gene and therefore does not cross-react with it.

TABLE 13 Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human transthyretin in Rhesus monkey primary hepatocytes using electroporation Rhesus Rhesus monkey monkey 1,250 2,500 5,000 10,000 2,0000 IC₅₀ Target start Target stop Mis- ISIS NO nM nM nM nM nM (μM) site site matches 304299 21 45 69 80 95 3.1 504 523 0 304309 53 66 79 85 93 <1.25 575 594 0 304311 75 78 82 86 90 <1.25 594 613 0 304312 37 53 65 75 80 2.3 595 614 0 420915 59 54 77 87 94 <1.25 505 524 0 420951 67 77 91 93 96 <1.25 578 597 0 425653 56 72 84 83 85 <1.25 593 612 0 425655 0 7 0 21 45 >20 478 497 2 425656 41 20 38 53 51 8.7 479 498 2 425679 68 74 88 94 98 <1.25 578 597 0 425695 42 29 41 49 65 25.8 478 497 2 425736 36 27 37 49 74 8.2 479 498 2 425737 76 78 89 95 97 <1.25 501 520 0 425755 79 80 92 94 97 <1.25 578 597 0 425757 68 74 88 95 96 <1.25 580 599 0

Example 10 In Vivo Inhibition of Human Transthyretin in Human Transthyretin-Transgenic Mice

Gapmers from Example 6, demonstrating significant inhibition of transthyretin mRNA, were tested in transgenic mice containing the human transthyretin gene and the efficacy of the gapmers was evaluated.

Treatment

Fifteen groups of four hTTR transgenic female mice each were administered subcutaneously twice a week for four weeks with 25 mg/kg of ISIS 304299, ISIS 304309, ISIS 304311, ISIS 304312, ISIS 420915, ISIS 420951, ISIS 425653, ISIS 425655, ISIS 425656, ISIS 425679, ISIS 425695, ISIS 425736, ISIS 425737, ISIS 425755, or ISIS 425757. Another group of four female hTTR transgenic mice was injected with 25 mg/kg of control oligonucleotide ISIS 141923 (CCTTCCCTGAAGGTTCCTCC, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 165) twice a week for four weeks. Another group of four hTTR transgenic female mice were injected subcutaneously with PBS twice a week for four weeks. The mice injected with PBS served as a control group. Blood samples were collected from all groups on weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 for plasma transthyretin level analysis. The mice were sacrificed two days after the last dose and livers were harvested for target mRNA analysis.

RNA Analysis

RNA was extracted from liver tissue for real-time PCR analysis of transthyretin using primer probe set RTS3029. Results are presented as percent inhibition of human transthyretin, relative to PBS control. As shown in Table 14, treatment with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides resulted in significant reduction of human transthyretin mRNA in comparison to the PBS control. Treatment with the control oligonucleotide, ISIS 141923 did not result in significant reduction of transthyretin, as expected.

TABLE 14 Inhibition of human transthyretin mRNA in the hTTR transgenic mice liver relative to the PBS control ISIS % NO inhibition 304299 79 304309 83 304311 63 304312 64 420915 82 420951 92 425653 66 425655 76 425656 76 425679 93 425695 82 425736 63 425737 76 425755 91 425757 91 141923 28 Protein Analysis

Human transthyretin protein levels were measured in transgenic mice plasma by ELISA using an anti-transthyretin polyclonal antibody (Abcam Ab37774) and a sheep anti-TTR horse radish peroxidase detection antibody (Abcam cat. no. 35217). The color reaction was developed by the ImmunoPure® TMB Substrate Kit and absorbance measured at 450 nm using a microtiter plate spectrophotometer. Plasma samples were taken predose and on days 7, 14 and 28. The results are presented in Table 15 expressed as percentage inhibition compared to the predose levels and demonstrate a time-dependent reduction in protein levels with treatment with ISIS oligonucleotides.

TABLE 15 Inhibition of human transthyretin protein in the hTTR transgenic mice plasma relative to predose levels ISIS ISIS ISIS ISIS ISIS ISIS ISIS ISIS PBS 304299 304309 420915 420951 425679 425695 425755 141923 Day 7 0 50 63 71 92 99 69 57 3 Day 14 3 76 78 90 98 100 80 72 3 Day 21 20 88 81 95 100 99 88 78 13 Day 28 13 89 83 98 100 100 91 79 8 Body Weight and Organ Weight

The body weights of the mice were measured predose and at the end of the treatment period. The body weights are presented in Table 16 and are expressed as percent increase over the PBS control weight taken before the start of treatment. Liver, spleen and kidney weights were measured at the end of the study, and are also presented in Table 16 as a percent change over the respective organ weights of the PBS control. As shown in Table 16, there was no significant change in body or organ weights as a result of antisense oligonucleotide treatment.

TABLE 16 Percent change in body and organ weights of transgenic mice after antisense oligonucleotide treatment Body weight Liver Spleen Kidney PBS 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 304299 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.8 ISIS 304309 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.0 ISIS 304311 1.1 1.2 1.0 1.2 ISIS 304312 1.1 1.3 1.0 0.8 ISIS 420915 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.1 ISIS 420951 1.1 1.2 1.0 1.5 ISIS 425653 1.1 1.1 0.9 1.0 ISIS 425655 1.1 1.3 1.0 1.2 ISIS 425656 1.2 1.3 1.0 1.3 ISIS 425679 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.6 ISIS 425695 1.1 1.3 1.0 1.0 ISIS 425736 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.0 ISIS 425737 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.2 ISIS 425755 1.2 1.3 1.1 1.3 ISIS 425757 1.1 1.9 1.0 1.5 ISIS 141923 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.8 Liver Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma concentrations of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Plasma concentrations of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured and the results are presented in Table 17, expressed in IU/L. Plasma levels of bilirubin were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer; results are also presented in Table 17 and expressed in mg/dL.

TABLE 17 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers in the liver of transgenic mice ALT AST Bilirubin (IU/L) (IU/L) (mg/dL) PBS 31 78 0.23 ISIS 304299 40 121 0.19 ISIS 304309 38 119 0.20 ISIS 304311 34 60 0.16 ISIS 304312 43 67 0.17 ISIS 420915 34 75 0.26 ISIS 420951 75 124 0.17 ISIS 425653 35 78 0.20 ISIS 425655 131 109 0.16 ISIS 425656 68 110 0.19 ISIS 425679 119 180 0.20 ISIS 425695 43 69 0.15 ISIS 425736 23 58 0.16 ISIS 425737 35 64 0.19 ISIS 425755 109 162 0.16 ISIS 425757 1904 937 0.24 ISIS 141923 31 76 0.19 Kidney Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on kidney function, plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Results are presented in Table 18, expressed in mg/dL. The data indicates that antisense inhibition of transthyretin has no effect on BUN levels in these transgenic mice.

TABLE 18 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on BUN (mg/dL) in the kidney of transgenic mice BUN (mg/dL) PBS 26 ISIS 304299 24 ISIS 304309 29 ISIS 304311 28 ISIS 304312 26 ISIS 420915 25 ISIS 420951 25 ISIS 425653 24 ISIS 425655 28 ISIS 425656 25 ISIS 425679 26 ISIS 425695 28 ISIS 425736 25 ISIS 425737 23 ISIS 425755 24 ISIS 425757 25 ISIS 141923 23

Example 11 Tolerability of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in CD1 Mice

CD1® mice (Charles River, Mass.) are a multipurpose model of mice, frequently utilized for safety and efficacy testing. The mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described in Example 10 and evaluated for changes in the levels of various metabolic markers.

Treatment

Groups of eight CD1 mice each were injected subcutaneously twice a week with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 304299, ISIS 304309, ISIS 420915, ISIS 420951, ISIS 425655, ISIS 425656, ISIS 425679, ISIS 425695, ISIS 425736, ISIS 425737, and ISIS 425755. Four mice from each group were evaluated at week 2 and week 6 of the treatment period. Three days after the last dose at each time point, body weights were taken, mice were euthanized and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Body and Organ Weights

The body weights of the mice were measured pre-dose and at the end of each treatment period (two weeks and six weeks). The body weights are presented in Tables 19 and 20, and are expressed as percent increase over the PBS control weight taken before the start of treatment. Liver, spleen and kidney weights were measured at the end of the study, and are also presented in Tables 19 and 20 as a percentage change over the respective organ weights of the PBS control.

TABLE 19 Change in body and organ weights of CD1 mice after antisense oligonucleotide treatment (%) at week 2 Body weight Liver Spleen Kidney PBS 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 304299 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 ISIS 304309 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0 ISIS 420915 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0 ISIS 420951 1.1 1.3 1.7 1.2 ISIS 425655 1.1 1.2 1.2 0.9 ISIS 425656 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0 ISIS 425679 1.1 1.1 1.4 1.1 ISIS 425695 1.1 1.1 0.9 1.1 ISIS 425736 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.1 ISIS 425737 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.1 ISIS 425755 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.2

TABLE 20 Change in body and organ weights of CD1 mice after antisense oligonucleotide treatment (%) at week 6 Body weight Liver Spleen Kidney PBS 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 304299 1.3 1.2 1.4 1.0 ISIS 304309 1.3 1.3 2.0 1.0 ISIS 420915 1.3 1.1 1.5 0.9 ISIS 420951 1.3 1.3 2.0 1.1 ISIS 425655 1.4 1.3 1.7 0.9 ISIS 425656 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.0 ISIS 425679 1.3 1.4 2.3 1.2 ISIS 425695 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.0 ISIS 425736 1.3 1.1 1.2 0.9 ISIS 425737 1.2 1.1 1.3 1.0 ISIS 425755 1.3 1.3 2.1 1.0 Liver Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma concentrations of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Plasma concentrations of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured and the results are presented in Tables 21 and 22 expressed in IU/L. Plasma levels of bilirubin and albumin were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer and the results are also presented in Tables 21 and 22.

TABLE 21 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers in the liver of CD1 mice at week 2 ALT AST Bilirubin Albumin (IU/L) (IU/L) (mg/dL) (g/dL) PBS 38 66 0.19 5.0 ISIS 304299 42 79 0.33 3.8 ISIS 304309 52 77 0.22 3.2 ISIS 420915 32 61 0.28 3.5 ISIS 420951 1184 804 0.17 3.7 ISIS 425655 60 70 0.20 3.9 ISIS 425656 37 53 0.31 3.5 ISIS 425679 88 147 0.23 3.7 ISIS 425695 25 50 0.23 3.6 ISIS 425736 31 79 0.23 3.2 ISIS 425737 39 43 0.23 3.1 ISIS 425755 104 85 0.29 3.6

TABLE 22 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers in the liver of CD1 mice at week 6 ALT AST Bilirubin Albumin (IU/L) (IU/L) (mg/dL) (g/dL) PBS 31 67 0.20 5.6 ISIS 304299 54 71 0.20 5.2 ISIS 304309 1211 504 0.30 5.2 ISIS 420915 89 91 0.17 5.0 ISIS 420951 872 319 0.20 3.6 ISIS 425655 730 247 0.13 4.3 ISIS 425656 502 261 0.17 4.3 ISIS 425679 935 475 0.29 4.5 ISIS 425695 1627 563 0.16 4.0 ISIS 425736 41 47 0.15 4.1 ISIS 425737 32 55 0.16 4.1 ISIS 425755 233 176 0.16 4.3 Kidney Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on kidney function, plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Results are presented in Tables 23 and 24, expressed in mg/dL.

TABLE 23 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers (mg/dL) in the kidney of CD1 mice at week 2 BUN Creatinine PBS 32 0.23 ISIS 304299 26 0.21 ISIS 304309 30 0.19 ISIS 420915 30 0.22 ISIS 420951 24 0.17 ISIS 425655 29 0.22 ISIS 425656 25 0.19 ISIS 425679 28 0.19 ISIS 425695 29 0.19 ISIS 425736 24 0.19 ISIS 425737 24 0.16 ISIS 425755 27 0.17

TABLE 24 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers (mg/dL) in the kidney of CD1 mice at week 6 BUN Creatinine PBS 24 0.15 ISIS 304299 19 0.11 ISIS 304309 20 0.14 ISIS 420915 24 0.18 ISIS 420951 19 0.08 ISIS 425655 22 0.11 ISIS 425656 21 0.10 ISIS 425679 20 0.06 ISIS 425695 21 0.08 ISIS 425736 22 0.07 ISIS 425737 18 0.07 ISIS 425755 22 0.09 Hematology Assays

Blood obtained from all mice groups were sent to Antech Diagnostics for hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measurements and analyses, as well as measurements of the differential blood cell counts, such as that of WBC (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes), RBC, and platelets, and total hemoglobin content. The results are presented in Tables 25-28. Percentages given in the tables indicate the percent change in total blood cell count compared to the PBS control. Those antisense oligonucleotides which did not affect a decrease in platelet count less than 70% of the PBS control or an increase in monocyte count more than two-fold were selected for further studies.

TABLE 25 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on complete blood cell count (%) compared to the PBS control in CD1 mice at week 2 ISIS NO. WBC RBC Hemoglobin HCT MCV MCH MCHC 304299 −15 −3 −2 0 +3 +1 −1 304309 −13 −4 −7 −6 −2 −4 −2 420915 +7 −7 −7 −5 +2 +1 −2 420951 +79 −6 −5 −5 +1 +1 0 425655 +56 −3 −5 −4 −1 −2 −1 425656 +69 −5 −6 −5 0 −1 −2 425679 +30 −6 −7 −7 −1 −1 0 425695 +49 −3 −4 −4 0 0 +1 425736 +15 −6 −6 −4 +1 0 −2 425737 +19 −5 −7 −5 −1 −3 −2 425755 +85 −3 −6 −6 −4 −3 0

TABLE 26 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on complete blood cell count (%) compared to the PBS control in CD1 mice at week 6 ISIS NO. WBC RBC Hemoglobin HCT MCV MCH MCHC 304299 −7 −9 −10 −13 −5 0 +4 304309 +10 −12 −11 −15 −5 +1 +6 420915 +11 −7 −8 −10 −4 −2 +2 420951 +81 −12 −20 −19 −9 −9 −1 425655 +29 −3 −11 −10 −8 −9 −2 425656 +72 −1 −5 −6 −4 −5 −1 425679 +154 −11 −20 −21 −10 −9 +2 425695 +118 +3 −9 −9 −2 −12 +3 425736 +51 +4 −5 −7 0 −10 +1 425737 +30 +8 −1 −2 0 −8 +1 425755 +54 −1 −11 −12 −8 −10 0

TABLE 27 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on differential blood cell count (%) compared to the PBS control in CD1 mice at week 2 ISIS NO. Neutrophils Monocytes Lymphocytes Platelets 304299 11 −3 20 17 304309 −11 5 8 14 420915 1 4 −24 41 420951 18 −7 32 −9 425655 18 −5 20 18 425656 31 −7 −4 24 425679 2 −1 24 −19 425695 −50 15 20 29 425736 8 −1 0 10 425737 −29 10 −8 24 425755 −13 7 −4 9

TABLE 28 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on differential blood cell count (%) compared to the PBS control in CD1 mice at week 6 ISIS NO. Neutrophils Lymphocytes Monocytes Platelets 304299 −60 +26 +10 −16 304309 −28 +12 +30 +2 420915 −29 +6 +50 −30 420951 −26 +11 0 −40 425655 −16 +8 −10 −19 425656 −22 +16 −50 −25 425679 −36 +19 −20 −27 425695 −25 +9 −15 −49 425736 −41 +16 −5 −46 425737 −53 +23 −20 −65 425755 −20 +4 +25 −41

Example 12 Measurement of Half-Life of Antisense Oligonucleotide in CD1 Mouse Liver

CD1 mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides from studies described in Example 11 and the oligonucleotide half-life as well as the elapsed time for oligonucleotide degradation and elimination from the liver was evaluated.

Treatment

Groups of twelve CD1 mice each were injected subcutaneously twice per week for 2 weeks with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 304299, ISIS 304309, ISIS 420915, ISIS 420951, ISIS 425655, ISIS 425656, ISIS 425679, ISIS 425695, ISIS 425736, ISIS 425737, and ISIS 425755. Four mice from each group were sacrificed 3 days, 28 days and 56 days following the final dose. Livers were harvested for analysis.

Measurement of Oligonucleotide Concentration

The concentration of the full-length oligonucleotide as well as the total oligonucleotide concentration (including the degraded form) was measured. The method used is a modification of previously published methods (Leeds et al., 1996; Geary et al., 1999) which consist of a phenol-chloroform (liquid-liquid) extraction followed by a solid phase extraction. An internal standard (ISIS 355868, a 27-mer 2′40-methoxyethyl modified phosphorothioate oligonucleotide, GCGTTTGCTCTTCTTCTTGCGTTTTTT, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 166) was added prior to extraction. Tissue sample concentrations were calculated using calibration curves, with a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of approximately 1.14 μg/g. Half-lives were then calculated using WinNonlin software (PHARSIGHT).

The results are presented in Tables 29 and 30, expressed as mg/g liver tissue. The half-life of each oligonucleotide is presented in Table 31. Antisense oligonucleotides with half-lives within 11-34 days were chosen for further studies.

TABLE 29 Full-length oligonucleotide concentration (μg/g) in the liver of CD1 mice ISIS NO. 3 days 28 days 56 days 304299 180 56 8 304309 317 254 106 420915 248 126 34 420951 173 109 49 425655 191 113 33 425656 256 73 29 425679 201 73 27 425695 315 194 65 425736 219 110 47 425737 190 40 9 425755 211 120 47

TABLE 30 Total oligonucleotide concentration (μg/g) in the liver of CD1 mice ISIS NO. 3 days 28 days 56 days 304299 268 168 38 304309 389 354 152 420915 314 229 83 420951 262 196 131 425655 298 217 87 425656 328 135 85 425679 333 161 103 425695 364 263 143 425736 298 211 140 425737 266 117 31 425755 337 227 140

TABLE 31 Half-life of oligonucleotide (days) in the liver of CD1 mice ISIS Half-life NO. (days) 304299 12 304309 33 420915 19 420951 29 425655 21 425656 17 425679 18 425695 23 425736 24 425737 12 425755 24

Example 13 Tolerability of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides selected from studies described in Examples 11 and 12 and evaluated for changes in the levels of various metabolic markers.

Treatment

The body weights, complete blood count and different blood count, as well as the urine protein/creatinine ratio of the rats were evaluated pre-dose. Groups of four Sprague-Dawley rats each were injected subcutaneously twice a week with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 304299, ISIS 304309, ISIS 420915, ISIS 420951, ISIS 425655, ISIS 425656, ISIS 425679, ISIS 425695, ISIS 425736, ISIS 425737, and ISIS 425755. Three days after the last dose at each time point, body weights were taken, mice were euthanized and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Body and Organ Weights

The body weights of the rats were measured pre-dose and at the end of the treatment period. The body weights are presented in Table 32, and are expressed as percent increase over the PBS control weight taken before the start of treatment. Liver, spleen and kidney weights were measured at the end of the study, and are also presented in Table 32 as a percentage change over the respective organ weights of the PBS control.

TABLE 32 Change in body and organ weights of Sprague-Dawley rats after antisense oligonucleotide treatment (%) Body weight Liver Spleen Kidney PBS 1.6 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 304299 1.2 1.7 4.9 1.6 ISIS 304309 1.1 1.6 4.3 1.4 ISIS 420915 1.4 1.4 3.3 1.3 ISIS 420951 1.1 1.4 5.0 1.5 ISIS 425655 1.2 1.5 3.4 1.3 ISIS 425656 1.2 1.5 2.9 1.2 ISIS 425679 1.0 1.9 6.4 1.7 ISIS 425695 1.2 1.6 3.3 1.3 ISIS 425736 1.3 1.5 2.9 1.2 ISIS 425737 1.2 1.7 4.0 1.5 ISIS 425755 1.0 1.5 5.4 1.5

As shown in Tables 32, certain compounds showed a less than a 4-fold increase in spleen weight.

Liver Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma concentrations of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Plasma concentrations of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured and the results are presented in Table 33 expressed in IU/L. Plasma levels of bilirubin and albumin were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer and the results are also presented in Table 33.

TABLE 33 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers in the liver of Sprague-Dawley rats ALT AST Bilirubin Albumin (IU/L) (IU/L) (mg/dL) (g/dL) PBS 55 138 0.15 3.3 ISIS 304299 69 154 0.15 2.7 ISIS 304309 80 138 0.11 2.9 ISIS 420915 43 95 0.11 3.0 ISIS 420951 353 511 0.32 2.6 ISIS 425655 312 497 0.47 2.6 ISIS 425656 277 335 0.20 3.0 ISIS 425679 537 659 0.38 2.7 ISIS 425695 228 445 0.23 2.3 ISIS 425736 362 553 0.32 2.9 ISIS 425737 55 79 0.09 1.9 ISIS 425755 271 303 0.41 2.8 Kidney Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on kidney function, plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Results are presented in Table 34, expressed in mg/dL. The ratio of total urine protein to creatinine was also evaluated and presented in Table 35.

TABLE 34 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers (mg/dL) in the kidney of Sprague-Dawley rats BUN Creatinine PBS 20 0.26 ISIS 304299 30 0.40 ISIS 304309 24 0.33 ISIS 420915 20 0.26 ISIS 420951 37 0.47 ISIS 425655 28 0.40 ISIS 425656 25 0.34 ISIS 425679 46 0.42 ISIS 425695 30 0.37 ISIS 425736 26 0.37 ISIS 425737 30 0.36 ISIS 425755 29 0.36

TABLE 35 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on total urine protein/creatinine in the kidney of Sprague-Dawley rats Pre- dose Week 6 PBS 0.82 0.95 ISIS 304299 0.95 7.57 ISIS 304309 1.10 5.20 ISIS 420915 0.91 5.30 ISIS 420951 0.90 5.02 ISIS 425655 0.78 6.03 ISIS 425656 0.86 9.37 ISIS 425679 0.91 7.80 ISIS 425695 0.89 5.71 ISIS 425736 1.00 5.85 ISIS 425737 0.86 43.76 ISIS 425755 0.78 3.70

As shown in Tables 34 and 35, certain compounds demonstrated a less than 7-fold increase in the total urine protein/creatinine in the kidney of these rats. Furthermore, certain compounds demonstrated a less than 6-fold increase in the total urine protein/creatinine in the kidney of these rats.

Hematology Assays

Blood obtained from all rat groups were sent to Antech Diagnostics for hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measurements and analyses, as well as measurements of the differential blood cell counts, such as that of WBC (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes), RBC, and platelets, and total hemoglobin content. The results are presented in Tables 36 and 37. Percentages given in the tables indicate the percent change in total blood cell count compared to the PBS control.

TABLE 36 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on complete blood cell count (%) compared to the PBS control in Sprague-Dawley rats ISIS NO. WBC RBC Hemoglobin HCT MCV MCH MCHC 304299 +4 −5 −3 +2 +11 +5 −5 304309 −10 −8 −11 −12 −4 −3 +1 420915 −9 −16 −20 −17 +1 −3 −3 420951 +5 −5 −8 −5 +1 −2 −3 425655 +22 −17 −18 −19 −2 0 +2 425656 −1 −13 −19 −16 −3 −6 −2 425679 +49 −42 −32 −28 +26 +19 −5 425695 −2 −25 −31 −29 −4 −8 −3 425736 +18 +1 −3 +2 0 −4 −4 425737 −15 −20 −18 −20 +2 +3 +1 425755 +35 −31 −27 −23 +14 +8 −4

TABLE 37 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on complete blood cell count (%) compared to the PBS control in Sprague-Dawley rats ISIS NO. Neutrophils Lymphocytes Monocytes Platelet 304299 −61 +15 −10 −41 304309 −35 +8 +10 −37 420915 −23 +6 0 −29 420951 −62 +15 +10 −67 425655 +23 −8 +80 −13 425656 −14 0 +70 −15 425679 −4 −1 +60 −75 425695 +68 −20 +80 −5 425736 0 −2 +70 −1 425737 −6 +1 +20 −21 425755 −18 +3 +70 −58

Example 14 Pharmacokinetic Studies of Antisense Oligonucleotide Concentration in Sprague-Dawley Rat Liver and Kidney

Sprague Dawley rats were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides from studies described in Example 13 and the oligonucleotide half-life as well as the elapsed time for oligonucleotide degradation and elimination from the liver and kidney was evaluated.

Treatment

Groups of four Sprague Dawley rats each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 2 weeks with 20 mg/kg of ISIS 304299, ISIS 304309, ISIS 420915, ISIS 420951, ISIS 425655, ISIS 425656, ISIS 425679, ISIS 425695, ISIS 425736, ISIS 425737, and ISIS 425755. Three days after the last dose, the rats were sacrificed and livers and kidneys were collected for analysis.

Measurement of Oligonucleotide Concentration

The concentration of the full-length oligonucleotide as well as the total oligonucleotide concentration (including the degraded form) was measured. The method used is a modification of previously published methods (Leeds et al., 1996; Geary et al., 1999) which consist of a phenol-chloroform (liquid-liquid) extraction followed by a solid phase extraction. An internal standard (ISIS 355868, a 27-mer 2′-O-methoxyethyl modified phosphorothioate oligonucleotide, GCGTTTGCTCTTCTTCTTGCGTTTTTT, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 166) was added prior to extraction. Tissue sample concentrations were calculated using calibration curves, with a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of approximately 1.14 μg/g. The results are presented in Tables 38 and 39, expressed as mg/g liver or kidney tissue. The kidney to liver ratio of full length oligonucleotide was also calculated and presented in Table 38.

TABLE 38 Full-length oligonucleotide concentration (μg/g) and ratio in the liver and kidney of Sprague-Dawley rats Kidney/Liver ISIS NO. Liver Kidney Ratio 304299 165 487 2.9 304309 344 606 1.8 420915 171 680 4.0 420951 214 389 1.8 425655 242 466 1.9 425656 286 595 2.1 425679 290 334 1.2 425695 266 566 2.1 425736 245 571 2.3 425737 167 477 2.9 425755 218 379 1.7

TABLE 39 Total oligonucleotide concentration (μg/g) in the liver and kidney of Sprague-Dawley rats ISIS NO. Liver Kidney 304299 208 653 304309 409 803 420915 196 844 420951 348 879 425655 340 764 425656 329 703 425679 461 710 425695 369 843 425736 282 738 425737 195 587 425755 351 886

Example 15 In Vivo Close-Dependent Inhibition of Human Transthyretin in Transgenic Mice

Transgenic mice containing the human transthyretin gene were dosed in increasing doses of ISIS oligonucleotides selected from studies described in Example 14 to evaluate the effect of dose-dependent inhibition of human transthyretin in these mice.

Treatment

Groups of four mice, two male and two female, each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks with 4 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg of ISIS 304299, ISIS 420915, ISIS 420951, ISIS 425679, ISIS 425736, ISIS 425737, or ISIS 425755. One group of four mice, two male and two female, was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks with 25 mg/kg of the control oligonucleotide, ISIS 141923. One control group of four mice, two male and two female, was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks with PBS. Plasma samples were taken from each group at days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Two days after the last dose, the mice were euthanized and organs were harvested for further analysis.

RNA Analysis

RNA was extracted from liver tissue for real-time PCR analysis of transthyretin using primer probe set RTS3029. Results are presented as percent inhibition of human transthyretin, relative to PBS control. As shown in Table 40, treatment with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides resulted in significant dose-dependent reduction of human transthyretin mRNA in comparison to the PBS control. Treatment with the control oligonucleotide, ISIS 141923 did not result in significant reduction of transthyretin, as expected.

TABLE 40 Inhibition of human transthyretin mRNA in the hTTR transgenic mice liver relative to the PBS control ISIS Dose % NO. (mg/kg) inhibition 304299 25 73 10 60 4 9 420915 25 78 10 57 4 43 420951 25 91 10 85 4 52 425679 25 94 10 88 4 42 425736 25 49 10 54 4 15 425737 25 82 10 59 4 21 425755 25 91 10 79 4 24 141923 25 0 Protein Analysis

Human transthyretin protein levels were measured in transgenic mice plasma by ELISA using an anti-transthyretin polyclonal antibody (Abcam Ab37774) and a sheep anti-TTR horse radish peroxidase detection antibody (Abcam cat. no. 35217). The color reaction was developed by the ImmunoPure® TMB Substrate Kit and absorbance measured at 450 nm using a microtiter plate spectrophotometer. Plasma samples were taken predose and on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. The results are presented in Table 41 expressed as percentage inhibition compared to the predose levels and demonstrate a time-dependent and dose-dependent reduction in protein levels on treatment with ISIS oligonucleotides.

TABLE 41 Inhibition of human transthyretin protein in transgenic mice plasma relative to pre-dose levels ISIS NO. Day 0 Day 7 Day 14 Day 21 Day 28 141923 25 0 0 20 77 41 304299 25 0 44 85 100 88 10 0 0 8 93 78 4 0 0 0 57 0 420915 25 0 0 67 86 91 10 0 21 39 70 71 4 0 25 0 0 0 420951 25 0 83 96 100 100 10 0 35 66 91 86 4 0 7 26 0 0 425679 25 0 93 97 96 98 10 0 38 80 96 95 4 0 0 0 0 0 425736 25 0 56 76 82 92 10 0 0 33 37 66 4 0 0 0 0 0 425737 25 0 90 96 99 98 10 0 51 80 88 89 4 0 29 21 37 31 425755 25 0 88 96 98 99 10 0 52 76 90 88 4 0 29 22 36 26 Body Weight and Organ Weight

The body weights of the mice were measured pre-dose and at the end of the treatment period. The body weights are presented in Table 42 and are expressed as percent increase over the PBS control weight taken before the start of treatment. Liver, spleen and kidney weights were measured at the end of the study, and are also presented in Table 42 as a percentage change over the respective organ weights of the PBS control.

TABLE 42 Change in body and organ weights of transgenic mice after antisense oligonucleotide treatment (%) Dose Body (mg/kg) weight Liver Spleen Kidney PBS +13 0 0 0 ISIS 25 +17 +16 +3 −2 304299 10 +14 +10 −13 −4 4 +17 +2 +17 −2 ISIS 25 +18 +12 −6 −6 420915 10 +16 +6 −4 −5 4 +15 +4 +8 −2 ISIS 25 +22 +23 +32 −2 420951 10 +16 +11 +10 −3 4 +24 +7 +19 +5 ISIS 25 +24 +33 +40 −1 425679 10 +14 +5 +9 −2 4 +19 +7 +10 0 ISIS 25 +16 +15 0 −5 425736 10 +28 +8 −12 −6 4 +20 +10 −9 −2 ISIS 25 +16 +13 0 −2 425737 10 +19 +6 +18 −3 4 +19 +5 +4 +1 ISIS 25 +21 +25 +34 −5 425755 10 +17 +10 +13 −4 4 +22 +3 +27 +4 ISIS 25 +20 +8 −3 −4 141923 Liver Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma concentrations of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Plasma concentrations of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured and the results are presented in Table 43 expressed in IU/L. Plasma levels of bilirubin were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer; results are also presented in Table 43 and expressed in mg/dL.

TABLE 43 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers in the liver of transgenic mice Dose ALT AST TBIL (mg/kg) (IU/L) (IU/L) (mg/dL) PBS — 48 112 0.20 ISIS 25 42 93 0.14 304299 10 37 56 0.18 4 35 71 0.15 ISIS 25 63 181 0.22 420915 10 46 132 0.22 4 35 114 0.22 ISIS 25 63 85 0.17 420951 10 42 107 0.21 4 31 74 0.19 ISIS 25 156 150 0.13 425679 10 93 148 0.23 4 38 119 0.22 ISIS 25 37 78 0.21 425736 10 33 62 0.20 4 46 228 0.23 ISIS 25 55 121 0.20 425737 10 41 94 0.18 4 32 73 0.14 ISIS 25 74 160 0.17 425755 10 31 80 0.16 4 45 122 0.21 ISIS 25 66 141 0.17 141923 Kidney Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on kidney function, plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Results are presented in Table 44, expressed in mg/dL.

TABLE 44 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on BUN (mg/dL) in the kidney of transgenic mice Dose (mg/kg) BUN PBS 22 ISIS 25 22 304299 10 22 4 22 ISIS 25 24 420915 10 25 4 20 ISIS 25 24 420951 10 25 4 26 ISIS 25 26 425679 10 24 4 22 ISIS 25 20 425736 10 22 4 22 ISIS 25 21 425737 10 19 4 23 ISIS 25 23 425755 10 21 4 20 ISIS 25 21 141923

Example 16 In Vivo Inhibition of Human Transthyretin in Human Transthyretin-Transgenic Mice

Antisense oligonucleotides with 5-10-5 MOE motifs, ISIS 304313, ISIS 420913, ISIS 420919, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420937, ISIS 420944, ISIS 420947, ISIS 420949, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420951, ISIS 420952, ISIS 420953, ISIS 420955, ISIS 420957, and ISIS 420959 from Table 4. These antisense oligonucleotides exhibited 65% inhibition or more of transthyretin mRNA were selected and tested in transgenic mice containing the human transthyretin gene. Additional oligonucleotides with overlapping sequences to ISIS 420951 (GTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGG (SEQ ID NO: 116)), and with various motifs were also designed to test in the transgenic mice. These additional oligonucleotides were ISIS 450518 (TTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 5-8-5 MOE (SEQ ID NO: 167)), ISIS 450519 (GTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGG, 6-8-6 MOE (SEQ ID NO: 116)), ISIS 450520 (GTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGG, 3-10-7 MOE (SEQ ID NO: 116)), ISIS 450521 (GTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGG, 7-10-3 MOE (SEQ ID NO: 116)), ISIS 450522 (GTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGG, 2-10-8 MOE (SEQ ID NO: 116)), and ISIS 450523 (GTTTTATTGTCTCTGCCTGG, 8-10-2 MOE (SEQ ID NO: 116)).

Treatment

Groups of four hTTR transgenic mice each, two male and two female, were administered subcutaneously twice per week for four weeks with 25 mg/kg of ISIS 304313, ISIS 420913, ISIS 420919, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420937, ISIS 420944, ISIS 420947, ISIS 420949, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420951, ISIS 420952, ISIS 420953, ISIS 420955, ISIS 420957, ISIS 420959, ISIS 425518, ISIS 425519, ISIS 425520, ISIS 425521, ISIS 425522, or ISIS 425523. A control group four hTTR transgenic mice, two male and two female, were injected subcutaneously with PBS twice per week for four weeks. Blood samples were collected from all groups on days 0, 14 and 28 for plasma transthyretin level analysis. The mice were sacrificed two days after the last dose and livers were harvested for target mRNA analysis.

RNA Analysis

RNA was extracted from liver tissue for real-time PCR analysis of transthyretin using primer probe set RTS3029. Results are presented as percent inhibition of human transthyretin, relative to PBS control. As shown in Table 45, treatment with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides resulted in significant reduction of human transthyretin mRNA in comparison to the PBS control.

TABLE 45 Inhibition of human transthyretin mRNA in the hTTR transgenic mice liver relative to the PBS control ISIS % NO. inhibition 304313 68 420913 83 420919 64 420921 70 420922 82 420937 46 420944 58 420947 62 420949 87 420950 94 420952 95 420953 93 420955 93 420957 90 420959 73 450518 80 450519 87 450520 85 450521 94 450522 73 450523 94 420951 94 Protein Analysis

Human transthyretin protein levels were measured in transgenic mice plasma by ELISA using an anti-transthyretin transthyretin polyclonal antibody (Abcam Ab37774) and a sheep anti-TTR horse radish peroxidase detection antibody (Abcam cat. no. 35217). The color reaction was developed by the ImmunoPure® TMB Substrate Kit and absorbance measured at 450 nm using a microtiter plate spectrophotometer. Plasma samples were taken predose and on days 7, 14 and 28. The results are presented in Table 46 expressed as percentage inhibition compared to the pre-dose levels and demonstrate a time-dependent reduction in protein levels on treatment with ISIS oligonucleotides.

TABLE 46 Inhibition of human transthyretin protein in the hTTR transgenic mice plasma relative to pre-dose levels Day 0 Day 14 Day 28 PBS 0 0 0 ISIS 304313 0 62 77 ISIS 420913 0 91 97 ISIS 420919 0 70 82 ISIS 420921 0 83 87 ISIS 420922 0 95 97 ISIS 420937 0 37 59 ISIS 420944 0 57 72 ISIS 420947 0 57 65 ISIS 420949 0 93 99 ISIS 420950 0 97 100 ISIS 420952 0 98 100 ISIS 420953 0 99 100 ISIS 420955 0 89 100 ISIS 420957 0 92 94 ISIS 420959 0 69 87 ISIS 450518 0 80 97 ISIS 450519 0 94 100 ISIS 450520 0 83 100 ISIS 450521 0 100 100 ISIS 450522 0 93 97 ISIS 450523 0 100 100 ISIS 420951 0 99 100 Liver Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma concentrations of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Plasma concentrations of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured and the results are presented in Table 47 expressed in IU/L. Plasma levels of bilirubin were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer; results are also presented in Table 47 and expressed in mg/dL.

TABLE 47 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers in the liver of transgenic mice ALT AST Bilirubin (IU/L) (IU/L) (mg/dL) PBS 34 88 0.20 ISIS 304313 42 79 0.16 ISIS 420913 35 67 0.17 ISIS 420919 63 177 0.20 ISIS 420921 47 103 0.15 ISIS 420922 42 128 0.16 ISIS 420937 33 160 0.15 ISIS 420944 38 84 0.15 ISIS 420947 42 120 0.17 ISIS 420949 46 125 0.15 ISIS 420950 73 106 0.15 ISIS 420952 151 271 0.19 ISIS 420953 982 452 0.16 ISIS 420955 47 80 0.15 ISIS 420957 53 133 0.18 ISIS 420959 31 89 0.11 ISIS 450518 103 200 0.20 ISIS 450519 64 81 0.12 ISIS 450520 350 270 0.12 ISIS 450521 104 226 0.13 ISIS 450522 109 201 0.14 ISIS 450523 80 170 0.19 ISIS 420951 67 100 0.09 Kidney Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on kidney function, plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Results are presented in Table 48, expressed in mg/dL.

TABLE 48 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on BUN (mg/dL) in the kidney of transgenic mice PBS 35 ISIS 304313 29 ISIS 420913 30 ISIS 420919 29 ISIS 420921 29 ISIS 420922 27 ISIS 420937 29 ISIS 420944 27 ISIS 420947 26 ISIS 420949 25 ISIS 420950 34 ISIS 420952 23 ISIS 420953 34 ISIS 420955 24 ISIS 420957 23 ISIS 420959 29 ISIS 450518 28 ISIS 450519 25 ISIS 450520 29 ISIS 450521 24 ISIS 450522 29 ISIS 450523 27 ISIS 420951 25

Example 17 Tolerability of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in CD1 Mice

CD1 mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides from Example 16 and evaluated for changes in the levels of various metabolic markers.

Treatment

Groups of eight CD1 mice each were injected subcutaneously twice a week with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 304313, ISIS 420913, ISIS 420919, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420937, ISIS 420944, ISIS 420947, ISIS 420949, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420951, ISIS 420952, ISIS 420953, ISIS 420955, ISIS 420957, ISIS 420959, ISIS 425518, ISIS 425519, ISIS 425520, ISIS 425521, ISIS 425522, or ISIS 425523. Three days after the last dose at each time point, body weights were taken, mice were euthanized and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Body and Organ Weights

The body weights of the mice were measured pre-dose and at the end of each treatment period (two weeks and six weeks). The body weights are presented in Table 49 and are expressed as percent increase over the PBS control weight taken before the start of treatment. Liver, spleen and kidney weights were measured at the end of the study, and are also presented in Table 49 as a percentage change over the respective organ weights of the PBS control.

TABLE 49 Change in body and organ weights of CD1 mice after antisense oligonucleotide treatment (%) at week 6 Body weight Liver Spleen Kidney PBS 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 304313 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.2 ISIS 420913 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.1 ISIS 420919 1.3 1.2 1.9 1.1 ISIS 420921 1.1 1.1 2.2 1.1 ISIS 420922 1.1 1.0 1.6 0.9 ISIS 420937 1.1 1.0 1.2 1.0 ISIS 420944 1.1 1.1 2.0 1.0 ISIS 420947 1.3 1.2 1.7 1.0 ISIS 420949 1.3 1.2 1.8 1.1 ISIS 420950 1.3 1.0 1.7 1.0 ISIS 420952 1.4 1.3 2.1 0.9 ISIS 420953 1.3 1.5 2.2 1.0 ISIS 420955 1.2 1.2 2.2 1.0 ISIS 420957 1.1 1.1 1.8 1.1 ISIS 420959 1.3 1.2 3.2 1.1 ISIS 450518 1.4 1.3 1.8 1.1 ISIS 450519 1.3 1.5 2.4 1.0 ISIS 450520 1.4 1.4 2.2 1.0 ISIS 450521 1.2 1.2 1.9 1.1 ISIS 450522 1.3 1.5 2.3 1.1 ISIS 450523 1.2 1.3 2.4 1.1 ISIS 420951 1.3 1.2 1.9 1.0 Liver Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma concentrations of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Plasma concentrations of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured and the results are presented in Table 50 expressed in IU/L. Plasma levels of bilirubin and albumin were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer and the results are also presented in Table 50.

TABLE 50 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers in the liver of CD1 mice ALT AST TBIL PBS 34 88 0.20 ISIS 304313 42 79 0.16 ISIS 420913 35 67 0.17 ISIS 420919 63 177 0.20 ISIS 420921 47 103 0.15 ISIS 420922 42 128 0.16 ISIS 420937 33 160 0.15 ISIS 420944 38 84 0.15 ISIS 420947 42 120 0.17 ISIS 420949 46 125 0.15 ISIS 420950 73 106 0.15 ISIS 420952 151 271 0.19 ISIS 420953 982 452 0.16 ISIS 420955 47 80 0.15 ISIS 420957 53 133 0.18 ISIS 420959 31 89 0.11 ISIS 450518 103 200 0.20 ISIS 450519 64 81 0.12 ISIS 450520 350 270 0.12 ISIS 450521 104 226 0.13 ISIS 450522 109 201 0.14 ISIS 450523 80 170 0.19 ISIS 420951 67 100 0.09 Kidney Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on kidney function, plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Results are presented in Table 51, expressed in mg/dL.

TABLE 51 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on BUN (mg/dL) in the kidney of CD1 mice BUN PBS 35 ISIS 304313 29 ISIS 420913 30 ISIS 420919 29 ISIS 420921 29 ISIS 420922 27 ISIS 420937 29 ISIS 420944 27 ISIS 420947 26 ISIS 420949 25 ISIS 420950 34 ISIS 420952 23 ISIS 420953 34 ISIS 420955 24 ISIS 420957 23 ISIS 420959 29 ISIS 450518 28 ISIS 450519 25 ISIS 450520 29 ISIS 450521 24 ISIS 450522 29 ISIS 450523 27 ISIS 420951 25 Hematology Assays

Blood obtained from all mice groups were sent to Antech Diagnostics for hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measurements and analyses, as well as measurements of the differential blood cell counts, such as that of WBC (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes), RBC, and platelets, and total hemoglobin content. The results are presented in Table 52 and 53. Percentages given in the tables indicate the percent change in total blood cell count compared to the PBS control.

TABLE 52 Effectof antisense oligonucleotide treatment on complete blood cell count (%) compared to the PBS control in CD1 mice WBC RBC Hemoglobin HCT MCV MCH MCHC ISIS 304313 +80 −5 −7 −9 −4 −2 +4 ISIS 420913 −10 −1 −3 −5 −4 −2 +3 ISIS 420919 +26 −2 −7 −9 −7 −5 +4 ISIS 420921 +60 −9 −12 −15 −6 −3 +5 ISIS 420922 +18 −6 −11 −16 −11 −6 +6 ISIS 420937 +42 −3 −4 −7 −5 −1 +5 ISIS 420944 +49 −5 −9 −13 −8 −4 +6 ISIS 420947 +36 −2 −2 −5 −3 0 +4 ISIS 420949 +61 −4 −6 −9 −7 −3 +5 ISIS 420950 +56 −14 −16 −19 −7 −3 +6 ISIS 420952 +36 −20 −24 −25 −7 −5 +4 ISIS 420953 +105 −21 −24 −26 −6 −4 +4 ISIS 420955 +107 −14 −19 −21 −9 −5 +6 ISIS 420957 +79 −5 −10 −13 −9 −6 +5 ISIS 420959 +92 −8 −14 −18 −11 −7 +6 ISIS 450518 +138 −5 −10 −12 −7 −4 +4 ISIS 450519 +118 −17 −21 −24 −9 −5 +6 ISIS 450520 +151 −18 −21 −23 −7 −4 +4 ISIS 450521 +118 −15 −21 −23 −11 −7 +5 ISIS 450522 +63 −22 −28 −31 −12 −8 +6 ISIS 450523 +116 −22 −27 −29 −11 −7 +6 ISIS 420951 +54 −15 −21 −24 −10 −6 +5

TABLE 53 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on differential blood cell count (%) compared to the PBS control in CD1 mice Neutrophils Lymphocytes Monocytes Platelets ISIS 304313 −54 +49 −45 +36 ISIS 420913 −46 +39 −21 −2 ISIS 420919 −57 +49 −21 +19 ISIS 420921 −55 +47 −24 +25 ISIS 420922 −53 +46 −31 +24 ISIS 420937 −63 +57 −48 +20 ISIS 420944 −40 +37 −28 +18 ISIS 420947 −55 +49 −38 −9 ISIS 420949 −30 +24 +7 +17 ISIS 420950 −50 +40 0 +6 ISIS 420952 −34 +33 −28 +13 ISIS 420953 −37 +35 −34 +11 ISIS 420955 −37 +34 −21 +30 ISIS 420957 −71 +61 −28 +16 ISIS 420959 −52 +45 −24 −1 ISIS 450518 −56 +49 −28 +18 ISIS 450519 −18 +11 +41 +55 ISIS 450520 −41 +34 0 +7 ISIS 450521 −41 +36 −14 +21 ISIS 450522 −41 +31 +17 +58 ISIS 450523 −28 +19 +31 +51 ISIS 420951 −28 +24 0 +26

Example 18 Tolerability of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in Sprague-Dawley Rats

ISIS oligonucleotides selected from studies described in Example 17 were also tested in Sprague-Dawley rats and evaluated for changes in the levels of various metabolic markers.

Treatment

The body weights, complete blood count and different blood count, as well as the urine protein/creatinine ratio of the rats were evaluated pre-dose. Groups of four Sprague-Dawley rats each were injected subcutaneously twice a week with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 420913, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420955, ISIS 420957, and ISIS 420959. Three days after the last dose at each time point, body weights were taken, mice were euthanized and organs and plasma were harvested for further analysis.

Body and Organ Weights

The body weights of the rats were measured pre-dose and at the end of the treatment period. The body weights are presented in Table 54, and are expressed as percent increase over the PBS control weight taken before the start of treatment. Liver, spleen and kidney weights were measured at the end of the study, and are also presented in Table 54 as a percentage change over the respective organ weights of the PBS control.

TABLE 54 Change in body and organ weights of Sprague-Dawley rats after antisense oligonucleotide treatment (%) Body weight Liver Spleen Kidney PBS 2.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 420913 1.5 1.5 4.7 1.1 ISIS 420921 1.6 1.5 4.2 1.3 ISIS 420922 1.3 1.5 4.4 1.4 ISIS 420950 1.4 1.5 6.4 1.7 ISIS 420955 1.5 1.6 5.9 1.4 ISIS 420957 1.4 1.4 6.8 1.3 ISIS 420959 1.5 1.4 5.5 1.4

As shown in Table 54, the compounds demonstrated a less than 10-fold increase in organ weight of these rats. Furthermore, certain compounds demonstrated a less than 7-fold increase in organ weight of these rats. While certain compounds demonstrated a less than 6-fold increase in organ weight of these rats. Certain compounds demonstrated a less than 5-fold increase in organ weight of these rats.

Liver Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma concentrations of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Plasma concentrations of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured and the results are presented in Table 55 expressed in IU/L. Plasma levels of bilirubin and albumin were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer and the results are also presented in Table 55.

TABLE 55 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers in the liver of Sprague-Dawley rats ALT AST TBIL Albumin (IU/L (IU/L) (mg/dL) (g/dL) PBS 26 66 0.09 4.5 ISIS 420913 38 95 0.08 3.3 ISIS 420921 65 151 0.11 3.2 ISIS 420922 40 121 0.11 4.0 ISIS 420950 398 327 0.19 4.0 ISIS 420955 78 241 0.18 4.1 ISIS 420957 84 244 0.14 3.7 ISIS 420959 82 405 0.17 4.6 Kidney Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on kidney function, plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Results are presented in Table 56, expressed in mg/dL. The ratio of total urine protein to creatinine was also evaluated and presented in Table 56.

TABLE 56 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers (mg/dL) in the kidney of Sprague-Dawley rats BUN Creatinine PBS 14 0.05 ISIS 420913 22 0.09 ISIS 420921 23 0.07 ISIS 420922 21 0.08 ISIS 420950 20 0.11 ISIS 420955 22 0.06 ISIS 420957 23 0.18 ISIS 420959 24 0.17

TABLE 57 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on total urine protein/creatinine in the kidney of Sprague-Dawley rats Urine protein/creatinine ratio PBS 1.50 ISIS 420913 19.51 ISIS 420921 5.07 ISIS 420922 4.72 ISIS 420950 5.61 ISIS 420955 5.57 ISIS 420957 5.40 ISIS 420959 4.39 Hematology Assays

Blood obtained from all rat groups were sent to Antech Diagnostics for hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measurements and analyses, as well as measurements of the differential blood cell counts, such as that of WBC (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes), RBC, and platelets, and total hemoglobin content. The results are presented in Tables 58 and 59. Percents given in the tables indicate the percent change in total blood cell count compared to the PBS control.

TABLE 58 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on complete blood cell count (%) compared to the PBS control in Sprague-Dawley rats WBC RBC Hemoglobin HCT MCV MCH MCHC PBS 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 420913 1.7 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 ISIS 420921 1.6 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 420922 1.6 0.9 0.9 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 420950 2.2 0.7 0.7 0.7 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 420955 1.9 0.7 0.8 0.7 1.1 1.2 1.0 ISIS 420957 3.1 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 420959 2.2 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0

TABLE 59 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on differential blood cell count (%) compared to the PBS control in Sprague-Dawley rats Neutrophils Lymphocytes Monocytes Platelet PBS 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 ISIS 420913 0.5 1.1 1.7 0.7 ISIS 420921 0.7 1.0 1.6 0.6 ISIS 420922 0.5 1.1 1.3 0.7 ISIS 420950 0.8 1.0 2.3 0.7 ISIS 420955 0.5 1.0 2.4 0.7 ISIS 420957 0.7 1.0 1.6 0.3 ISIS 420959 0.5 1.1 1.3 n.d.

Example 19 Pharmacokinetic Studies of Half-Life of Antisense Oligonucleotide Concentration in Sprague-Dawley Rat Liver and Kidney

Sprague Dawley rats were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides targeting from studies described in Example 18 and the oligonucleotide half-life as well as the elapsed time for oligonucleotide degradation and elimination from the liver and kidney was evaluated.

Treatment

Groups of four Sprague Dawley rats each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 2 weeks with 20 mg/kg of ISIS 420913, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420955, ISIS 420957, and ISIS 420959. Three days after the last dose, the rats were sacrificed and livers and kidneys were collected for analysis.

Measurement of Oligonucleotide Concentration

The concentration of the full-length oligonucleotide as well as the total oligonucleotide concentration (including the degraded form) was measured. The method used is a modification of previously published methods (Leeds et al., 1996; Geary et al., 1999) which consist of a phenol-chloroform (liquid-liquid) extraction followed by a solid phase extraction. An internal standard (ISIS 355868, a 27-mer 2′-O-methoxyethyl modified phosphorothioate oligonucleotide, GCGTTTGCTCTTCTTCTTGCGTTTTTT, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 166) was added prior to extraction. Tissue sample concentrations were calculated using calibration curves, with a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of approximately 1.14 μg/g. The results are presented in Tables 60 and 61, expressed as mg/g liver or kidney tissue. The kidney to liver ratio of oligonucleotide concentration was also calculated and presented in Tables 60 and 61.

TABLE 60 Full-length oligonucleotide concentration (μg/g) and ratio in the liver and kidney of Sprague-Dawley rats Kidney/Liver ISIS NO. Liver Kidney ratio 420913 154 285 1.9 420921 147 293 2.0 420922 226 497 2.2 420950 161 411 2.6 420955 152 383 2.5 420957 235 453 1.9 420959 187 513 2.7

TABLE 61 Total oligonucleotide concentration (μg/g) in the liver and kidney of Sprague-Dawley rats ISIS Kidney/Liver NO. Liver Kidney ratio 420913 180 310 1.7 420921 159 305 1.9 420922 238 544 2.3 420950 168 466 2.8 420955 156 442 2.8 420957 244 551 2.3 420959 202 534 2.6

Example 20 In Vivo Close-Dependent Inhibition of Human Transthyretin in Transgenic Mice

ISIS 420913, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420957 and ISIS 420959, which exhibited good efficacy and tolerability, as demonstrated in Examples 16-19, were chosen for the study of dose-dependent target knockdown in transgenic mice containing the human transthyretin gene. ISIS 420950 and ISIS 420955, which demonstrated 90% or more target knockdown, but which also demonstrated toxicity in CD1 mice (Examples 16-19) were also chosen for this study for comparison.

Treatment

Groups of four mice, two male and two female, each were injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks with 4 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg of ISIS 420913, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420955, ISIS 420957, or ISIS 420959. One group of four mice, two male and two female, was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks with 25 mg/kg of the control oligonucleotide, ISIS 141923. One control group of four mice, two male and two female, was injected subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks with PBS. Plasma samples were taken from each group at days 0, 14 and 28. Two days after the last dose, the mice were euthanized and organs were harvested for further analysis.

RNA Analysis

RNA was extracted from liver tissue for real-time PCR analysis of transthyretin using primer probe set RTS3029. Results are presented as percent inhibition of human transthyretin, relative to PBS control. As shown in Table 62, treatment with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides resulted in significant dose-dependent reduction of human transthyretin mRNA in comparison to the PBS control. Treatment with the control oligonucleotide, ISIS 141923 did not result in significant reduction of transthyretin, as expected.

TABLE 62 Inhibition of human transthyretin mRNA in the hTTR transgenic mice liver relative to the PBS control ISIS Dose % NO. (mg/kg) inhibition 420913 25 78 10 65 4 32 420921 25 76 10 64 4 13 420922 25 80 10 53 4 21 420950 25 92 10 77 4 57 420955 25 88 10 56 4 23 420957 25 85 10 72 4 32 420959 25 75 10 26 4 11 141923 25 0 Protein Analysis

Human transthyretin protein levels were measured in transgenic mice plasma by ELISA using an anti-transthyretin transthyretin polyclonal antibody (Abcam Ab37774) and a sheep anti-TTR horse radish peroxidase detection antibody (Abcam cat. no. 35217). The color reaction was developed by the ImmunoPure® TMB Substrate Kit and absorbance measured at 450 nm using a microtiter plate spectrophotometer. Plasma samples were taken predose and on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. The results are presented in Table 63 expressed as percentage inhibition compared to the predose levels and demonstrate a time-dependent and dose-dependent reduction in protein levels on treatment with ISIS oligonucleotides.

TABLE 63 Inhibition of human transthyretin protein in the hTTR transgenic mice plasma relative to predose levels ISIS Dose NO. (mg/kg) d0 d14 d28 420913 25 0 73 93 10 0 27 96 4 0 25 54 42092110 25 0 73 90 10 0 63 79 4 0 42 67 42092210 25 0 63 96 25 0 57 89 4 0 38 77 42095010 25 0 95 97 10 0 71 96 4 0 29 53 42095510 25 0 84 96 10 0 53 91 4 0 20 30 42095710 25 0 83 93 10 0 51 66 4 0 32 49 42095910 25 0 74 80 10 0 31 58 4 0 0 0 141923 25 0 22 0 Body Weight and Organ Weight

The body weights of the mice were measured pre-dose and at the end of the treatment period. The body weights are presented in Table 64 and are expressed as percent increase over the PBS control weight taken before the start of treatment. Liver, spleen and kidney weights were measured at the end of the study, and are also presented in Table 64 as a percentage change over the respective organ weights of the PBS control.

TABLE 64 Change in body and organ weights of transgenic mice after antisense oligonucleotide treatment (%) Body weight Liver Spleen Kidney PBS 6.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 ISIS 25 8.1 0.3 11.4 4.1 420913 10 10.6 −8.6 14.3 13.6 4 7.4 3.7 5.0 12.0 ISIS 25 10.5 8.8 25.6 −0.1 420921 10 9.7 5.7 10.8 4.0 4 8.7 −4.4 16.0 11.0 ISIS 25 8.4 5.6 18.0 1.7 420922 10 9.2 −1.7 27.1 6.3 4 8.1 −2.1 −11.4 5.1 ISIS 25 12.8 14.3 22.8 1.7 420950 10 8.4 4.3 −2.8 0.6 4 9.1 0.4 14.2 1.5 ISIS 25 10.1 14.6 17.7 −4.4 420955 10 11.8 5.6 −0.3 1.4 4 7.9 4.7 −12.3 4.5 ISIS 25 12.8 6.4 33.1 2.8 420957 10 14.5 13.9 −6.3 9.7 4 7.4 −5.4 12.2 6.2 ISIS 25 10.0 2.4 72.7 23.3 420959 10 7.2 −5.4 40.2 9.8 4 4.1 −4.4 27.8 −6.6 ISIS 25 9.2 −1.3 20.4 −5.5 141923 Liver Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, plasma concentrations of transaminases were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Plasma concentrations of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured and the results are presented in Table 65 expressed in IU/L. Plasma levels of bilirubin were also measured using the same clinical chemistry analyzer; results are also presented in Table 65 and expressed in mg/dL.

TABLE 65 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on metabolic markers in the liverof transgenic mice Dose ALT AST TBIL (mg/kg) (IU/L) (IU/L) (mg/dL) PBS 47 63 0.16 ISIS 25 42 69 0.13 420913 10 49 90 0.17 4 42 59 0.18 ISIS 25 56 96 0.12 420921 10 51 68 0.22 4 42 75 0.14 ISIS 25 50 76 0.12 420922 10 40 170 0.14 4 37 48 0.13 ISIS 25 74 116 0.14 420950 10 37 67 0.13 4 34 64 0.11 ISIS 25 46 117 0.15 420955 10 54 76 0.16 4 50 153 0.17 ISIS 25 40 73 0.13 420957 10 36 63 0.20 4 37 61 0.12 ISIS 25 51 92 0.19 420959 10 48 69 0.13 4 37 67 0.13 ISIS 25 44 79 0.12 141923 Kidney Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on kidney function, plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer (Hitachi Olympus AU400e, Melville, N.Y.). Results are presented in Table 66, expressed in mg/dL.

TABLE 66 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on BUN (mg/dL) in the kidney of transgenic mice Dose (mg/kg) BUN PBS — 23 ISIS 25 24 420913 10 22 4 20 ISIS 25 24 420921 10 22 4 23 ISIS 25 23 420922 10 22 4 24 ISIS 25 22 420950 10 26 4 23 ISIS 25 23 420955 10 24 4 25 ISIS 25 20 420957 10 22 4 20 ISIS 25 25 420959 10 22 4 22 ISIS 25 19 141923

Example 21 Dose Response Confirmation of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in Cynomolgus Monkey Primary Hepatocytes

Gapmers showing tolerability in CD1 mice and Sprague Dawley rats (studies described in Examples 17-19) as well as potency in transgenic mice (studies described in Examples 16 and 20) were selected and tested at various doses in primary hepatocytes of cynomolgus monkeys. Cells were plated at a density of 35,000 cells per well and transfected using electroporation with 156.25 nM, 312.5 nM, 625 nM, 1,250 nM 2,500 nM, 5,000 nM, 10,000 nM and 20,000 nM concentrations of antisense oligonucleotide, as specified in Table 67. After a treatment period of approximately 16 hours, RNA was isolated from the cells and transthyretin mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Human transthyretin primer probe set RTS1396 was used to measure mRNA levels. Transthyretin mRNA levels were adjusted according to total RNA content, as measured by RIBOGREEN®. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to untreated control cells. As illustrated in Table 67, transthyretin mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in hepatocytes treated with all the ISIS oligonucleotides, which are cross-reactive with rhesus monkey transthyretin gene, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 4 (exons 1-4 extracted from GENBANK Accession No. NW_(—)001105671.1).

TABLE 67 Dose-dependent antisense inhibition of human transthyretin in cynomolgus monkey primary hepatocytes using electroporation 156.25 312.5 625 1250 2500 5000 10000 20000 IC₅₀ Target ISIS No. nM nM nM nM nM nM nM nM (μM) Start Site 304299 0 0 25 42 89 95 98 99 1.4 504 420913 0 0 42 49 84 96 98 98 1.2 502 420915 0 8 46 58 84 94 97 99 1 505 420921 0 0 26 30 53 74 94 97 2 512 420922 4 0 13 29 38 69 87 97 2.9 513 420950 23 27 60 71 88 94 98 98 0.6 577 420955 19 0 25 50 74 86 93 97 1.4 582 420957 0 0 15 34 65 72 87 94 2.2 584 420959 3 12 10 37 71 88 94 94 1.5 586

Example 22 Measurement of Viscosity of ISIS Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin

The viscosity of antisense oligonucleotides from studies described in Example 21 was measured with the aim of screening out antisense oligonucleotides which have a viscosity more than 40 cP. Oligonucleotides having a viscosity greater than 40 cP would be too viscous to be administered to any subject.

ISIS oligonucleotides (32-35 mg) were weighed into a glass vial, 120 μL of water was added and the antisense oligonucleotide was dissolved into solution by heating the vial at 50° C. Part of (75 μL) the pre-heated sample was pipetted to a micro-viscometer (Cambridge). The temperature of the micro-viscometter was set to 25° C. and the viscosity of the sample was measured. Another part (20 μL) of the pre-heated sample was pipetted into 10 mL of water for UV reading at 260 nM at 85° C. (Cary UV instrument). The results are presented in Table 68 and indicate that all the antisense oligonucleotides solutions are optimal in their viscosity under the criterion stated above.

TABLE 68 Viscosity and concentration of ISIS antisense oligonucleotides targeting human transthyretin ISIS Viscosity Concentration No. (cP) (mg/mL) 304299 9.9 169 420913 6.5 178 420915 8.4 227 420921 8.2 234 420922 5.3 191 420950 12.5 297 420955 15.7 259 420957 12.9 233 420959 18.7 276

Example 23 Measurement of Half-Life of Antisense Oligonucleotide in CD1 Mouse Liver

CD1 mice were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides from studies described in Example 22 and the oligonucleotide half-life as well as the elapsed time for oligonucleotide degradation and elimination from the liver was evaluated.

Treatment

Groups of twelve CD1 mice each were injected subcutaneously twice per week for 2 weeks with 50 mg/kg of ISIS 420913, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420955, ISIS 420957, and ISIS 420959. Four mice from each group were sacrificed 3 days, 28 days and 56 days following the final dose. Livers were harvested for analysis.

Measurement of Oligonucleotide Concentration

The concentration of the full-length oligonucleotide as well as the total oligonucleotide concentration (including the degraded form) was measured. The method used is a modification of previously published methods (Leeds et al., 1996; Geary et al., 1999) which consist of a phenol-chloroform (liquid-liquid) extraction followed by a solid phase extraction. An internal standard (ISIS 355868, a 27-mer 2′-O-methoxyethyl modified phosphorothioate oligonucleotide, GCGTTTGCTCTTCTTCTTGCGTTTTTT, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 166) was added prior to extraction. Tissue sample concentrations were calculated using calibration curves, with a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of approximately 1.14 μg/g. Half-lives were then calculated using WinNonlin software (PHARSIGHT).

The results are presented in Tables 69, expressed as ug/g liver tissue. The half-life of each oligonucleotide is presented in Table 70.

TABLE 69 Full-length oligonucleotide concentration (μg/g) in the liver of CD1 mice ISIS No. 3 days 28 days 56 days 420913 243 109 33 420921 225 49 6 420922 310 129 53 420950 254 88 62 420955 308 137 79 420957 325 129 49 420959 258 97 37

TABLE 70 Half-life of oligonucleotide (days) in the liver of CD1 mice ISIS Half-life No. (days) 420913 18.5 420921 10.0 420922 20.7 420950 26.4 420955 27.2 420957 19.5 420959 18.9

Example 24 Effect of ISIS Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Human Transthyretin in Cynomolgus Monkeys

Cynomolgus monkeys were treated with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides from studies described in Examples 21, 22 and 23. Antisense oligonucleotide efficacy and tolerability, as well as their pharmacokinetic profile in the liver and kidney, were evaluated.

Treatment

Prior to the study, the monkeys were kept in quarantine for a 30-day time period, during which standard panels of serum chemistry and hematology, examination of fecal samples for ova and parasites, and a tuberculosis test, were conducted to screen out abnormal or ailing monkeys. Nine groups of four randomly assigned male cynomolgus monkeys each were injected subcutaneously thrice per week for the first week, and subsequently twice a week for the next 11 weeks, with 25 mg/kg of ISIS 304299, ISIS 420915, ISIS 420921, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420955, ISIS 420957, or ISIS 420959. A control group of 4 cynomolgus monkeys was injected with PBS subcutaneously thrice per week for the first week, and subsequently twice a week for the next 11 weeks. Blood samples were collected 5 days before the treatment as well as on various days of the study period and analyzed. The animals were fasted for at least 13 hours (overnight) prior to blood collection. Terminal sacrifices of all groups were conducted on day 86, which was 48 hours after the last dose.

During the study period, the monkeys were observed daily for signs of illness or distress. Any animal showing adverse effects to the treatment was removed and referred to the veterinarian and Study Director. All the animals treated with ISIS 420955 were removed from the study on day 31 due to symptoms of illness displayed by 2 monkeys in the group. Similarly, one monkey each from groups treated with ISIS 420957 and ISIS 420950 was removed from the study on days 44 and 76, respectively, due to signs of illness.

Inhibition Studies

RNA Analysis

On day 86, RNA was extracted from liver tissue for real-time PCR analysis of transthyretin using primer probe set RTS3029. Results are presented as percent inhibition of transthyretin, relative to PBS control, normalized to cyclophilin. Similar results were obtained on normalization with RIBOGREEN®. As shown in Table 71, treatment with ISIS antisense oligonucleotides resulted in significant reduction of transthyretin mRNA in comparison to the PBS control. Specifically, treatment with ISIS 420915 caused greater inhibition of TTR mRNA than treatment with ISIS 304299, even though the two oligonucleotides differ from each other by a single base-pair shift. The data for animals treated with ISIS 420955 was taken at day 31.

TABLE 71 Inhibition of transthyretin mRNA in the cynomolgus monkey liver relative to the PBS control % ISIS No inhibition 304299 59 420915 78 420921 54 420922 61 420950 91  420955* 79 420957 64 420959 55 (*Data of day 31) Protein Analysis

The monkeys were fasted overnight prior to blood collection. Approximately 1 mL of blood was collected from all available animals and placed in tubes containing the potassium salt of EDTA. The tubes were centrifuged (3000 rpm for 10 min at room temperature) to obtain plasma. Transthyretin protein levels were measured in the plasma using a clinical analyzer. Plasma samples were taken predose (on day −5) and on days 1, 9, 16, 23, 30, 44, 58, 72, and 86. The results are presented in Table 72 expressed as percentage inhibition compared to the predose levels and demonstrate a time-dependent reduction in protein levels with treatment with ISIS oligonucleotides. The final plasma TTR levels are presented in Table 73 and demonstrate the strong correlation between TTR protein level reduction and TTR mRNA inhibition (Table 71). Specifically, treatment with ISIS 420915 caused greater inhibition of TTR plasma protein than treatment with ISIS 304299 (76% inhibition vs. 47% inhibition), even though the two oligonucleotides differ from each other by a single base-pair shift.

TABLE 72 Time course of transthyretin protein level reduction in the cynomolgus monkey plasma relative to predose levels ISIS Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day No. 0 9 16 23 30 44 58 72 86 304299 4 15 21 23 26 27 31 38 47 420915 2 8 23 34 42 54 63 70 76 420921 5 11 21 31 23 27 30 40 50 420922 0 17 37 42 49 49 50 49 54 420950 0 39 63 68 72 79 85 82 87 420955 0 42 63 80 81 n/a n/a n/a n/a 420957 2 18 28 26 26 35 35 41 50 420959 0 25 29 28 32 38 42 43 50 n/a = study was terminated on day 31 for animals treated with ISIS 420955; therefore data for subsequent days is not available.

TABLE 73 Day 86 transthyretin protein level reduction in the cynomolgus monkey plasma relative to predose levels ISIS % No. reduction 304299 47 420915 76 420921 50 420922 54 420950 87 420957 50 420959 50

RBP4 protein levels were also measured in the plasma using an ELISA kit. Plasma samples were taken predose (on day −5) and on days 9, 16, 23, 30, 44, 58, 72, and 86. The results are presented in Table 74 expressed as percentage inhibition compared to the predose levels. Some of the ISIS oligonucleotides (ISIS 420915, ISIS 420922, ISIS 420950, ISIS 420955 and ISIS 420959) demonstrate a time-dependent reduction in protein levels, concomitant with TTR reduction. The final plasma RBP4 levels are presented in Table 75 and also demonstrate the strong correlation between RBP4 and TTR protein level reductions (Table 73) on treatment with the above-mentioned oligonucleotides. Specifically, treatment with ISIS 420915 caused greater inhibition of RBP4 plasma protein than treatment with ISIS 304299 (63% inhibition vs. 19% inhibition), even though the two oligonucleotides differ from each other by a single base-pair shift.

TABLE 74 Time course of RBP4 protein level reduction in the cynomolgus monkey plasma relative to predose levels ISIS Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Day No. 9 16 23 30 44 58 72 86 304299 0 6 10 4 1 9 13 19 420915 5 22 22 30 38 47 54 63 420921 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 24 420922 4 19 16 34 33 29 15 32 420950 30 44 46 47 52 54 47 48 420955 6 36 53 65 n/a n/a n/a n/a 420957 0 10 0 0 0 0 3 27 420959 18 22 14 17 19 25 22 34 n/a = study was terminated on day 31 for animals treated with ISIS 420955; therefore data for subsequent days is not available.

TABLE 75 Day 86 RBP4 protein level reduction in the cynomolgus monkey plasma relative to predose levels ISIS % No. reduction 304299 19 420915 63 420921 24 420922 32 420950 48 420957 27 420959 34 Tolerability Studies Body and Organ Weight Measurements

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on the overall health of the animals, body and organ weights were measured at day 86. The data for animals treated with ISIS 420955 was taken at day 31. Body weights were measured and compared to that at pre-dose levels. Organ weights were measured and treatment group weights were compared to the corresponding PBS control weights. The data is presented in Table 76.

TABLE 76 Final body and organ weight % changes in the cynomolgus monkey relative to predose levels ISIS Body Liver Kidney Spleen No. weight weight weight weight 304299 +6 +27 +37 +53 420915 +6 +37 +26 +41 420921 +4 +42 +43 +22 420922 +4 +45 +39 +63 420950 0 +204 +166 +297  420955* −3 +36 +81 +70 420957 −6 +55 +184 +109 420959 0 +57 +101 +112 (*Data of day 31) Liver Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on hepatic function, blood samples were collected from all the study groups. The blood samples were collected in tubes without any anticoagulant for serum separation. The tubes were kept at room temperature for 90 min and then centrifuged (3000 rpm for 10 min at room temperature) to obtain serum. Concentrations of transaminases were measured using a Toshiba 200FR NEO chemistry analyzer (Toshiba Co., Japan). Plasma concentrations of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) were measured on day 86 and the results are presented in Table 77, expressed in IU/L. Alkaline phosphatase, which is synthesized in increased amounts by damaged liver cells, is also a marker of liver disease and was similarly measured. C-reactive protein (CRP), which is synthesized in the liver and which serves as a marker of inflammation, was also similarly measured on day 86. Both alkaline phosphatase and CRP data are also presented in Table 77. Bilirubin is also a liver metabolic marker and was similarly measured and is presented in Table 77, expressed in mg/dL.

TABLE 77 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on liver metabolic markers in cynomolgus monkey plasma AST ALT ALP CRP Bilirubin (IU/L) (IU/L) (IU/L) (mg/L) (mg/dL) PBS 60 54 955 2.4 0.24 ISIS 304299 81 101 747 3.3 0.17 ISIS 420915 68 62 672 1.6 0.15 ISIS 420921 98 107 832 3.2 0.14 ISIS 420922 94 96 907 2.4 0.15 ISIS 420950 132 94 1032 12.9 0.11 ISIS 420957 100 73 868 23.5 0.15 ISIS 420959 70 63 811 16.0 0.13 Kidney Function

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on kidney function, blood samples were collected from all the study groups. The blood samples were collected in tubes without any anticoagulant for serum separation. The tubes were kept at room temperature for 90 min and then centrifuged (3000 rpm for 10 min at room temperature) to obtain serum. Concentrations of BUN and creatinine were measured at day 86 using a Toshiba 200FR NEO chemistry analyzer (Toshiba Co., Japan). Results are presented in Table 78, expressed in mg/dL.

Urine samples were collected by drainage from special stainless-steel cage pans on day 5 before the study, and subsequently on days 25 and 84. Urine total protein to creatinine ratio was measured using a Toshiba 200FR NEO chemistry analyzer (Toshiba Co., Japan) and the results are presented in Table 79.

TABLE 78 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on plasma BUN and creatinine levels (mg/dL) in cynomolgus monkeys BUN Creatinine PBS 28 0.86 ISIS 304299 27 0.85 ISIS 420915 25 0.90 ISIS 420921 33 0.99 ISIS 420922 28 0.86 ISIS 420950 36 0.97 ISIS 420957 35 0.86 ISIS 420959 27 0.89

TABLE 79 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on urine protein to creatine ratio in cynomolgus monkeys Day −5 Day 25 Day 84 PBS 0.003 0.01 0.00 ISIS 304299 0.000 0.01 0.00 ISIS 420915 0.003 0.00 0.00 ISIS 420921 0.033 0.13 0.09 ISIS 420922 0.010 0.05 0.02 ISIS 420950 0.008 0.29 0.21 ISIS 420955 0.000 0.61 n/a ISIS 420957 0.000 0.48 0.36 ISIS 420959 0.005 0.08 0.03 n/a = study was terminated on day 31 for animals treated with ISIS 420955; therefore data for subsequent days is not available. Hematology

To evaluate any inflammatory effect of ISIS oligonucleotides in cynomolgus monkeys, blood samples were approximately 0.5 mL of blood was collected from each of the available study animals in tubes containing the potassium salt of EDTA. Samples were analyzed for red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cells (WBC) count, individual white blood cell percentages, such as that of monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, as well as for platelet count and hematocrit (%), using an ADVIA120 hematology analyzer (Bayer, USA). The data is presented in Table 80.

TABLE 80 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on hematologic parameters in cynomolgus monkeys WBC RBC Platelet Hematocrit Lymphocytes Neutrophil Monocytes (×10³/μL) (×10⁶/μL) (×1000/μL) (%) (%) (%) (%) PBS 9.6 5.3 415 40 62 35 1.8 ISIS 11.6 5.2 395 38 68 26 3.1 304299 ISIS 10.3 5.1 382 36 72 22 3.5 420915 ISIS 9.8 5.2 385 36 60 34 2.5 420921 ISIS 11.6 5.2 396 37 62 29 5.4 420922 ISIS 13.7 4.4 260 33 51 34 7.8 420950 ISIS 18.6 4.7 298 33 52 35 9.1 420957 ISIS 7.7 4.8 306 32 62 29 5.5 420959 Analysis of factors of inflammation

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on factors involved in inflammation, blood was collected on day 86 from all available animals for complement C3 analysis, as well as for measurement of cytokine levels. For complement C3 analysis, the blood samples were collected in tubes without anticoagulant for serum separation. The tubes were kept at room temperature for 90 min and then centrifuged (3000 rpm for 10 min at room temperature) to obtain serum. Complement C3 was measured using an automatic analyzer (Toshiba 200 FR NEO chemistry analyzer, Toshiba co., Japan). The data is presented in Table 81, expressed in mg/dL.

For cytokine level analyses, blood was collected in tubes containing EDTA for plasma separation. The tubes were then centrifuged (3000 rpm for 10 min at room temperature) to obtain plasma. Plasma samples were sent to Aushon Biosystems Inc. (Billerica, Mass.) for measurement of chemokine and cytokine levels. Levels of TNF-α were measured using the respective primate antibodies and levels of MIP-1α, MCP-1, and MIP-1β were measured using the respective cross-reacting human antibodies. Measurements were taken 5 days before the start of treatment and on days 3 and 86. The results are presented in Tables 82-85.

TABLE 81 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on complement C3 (mg/dL) in cynomolgus monkeys C3 PBS 133 ISIS 304299 96 ISIS 420915 104 ISIS 420921 91 ISIS 420922 102 ISIS 420950 70 ISIS 420957 69 ISIS 420959 95

TABLE 82 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on MCP-1 (pg/mL) in cynomolgus monkeys Day −5 Day 3 Day 86 PBS 232 362 206 ISIS 304299 219 292 427 ISIS 420915 204 342 400 ISIS 420921 281 407 2120 ISIS 420922 215 482 838 ISIS 420950 170 370 3355 ISIS 420957 208 308 3485 ISIS 420959 237 715 2035

TABLE 83 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on TNF-α (pg/mL) in cynomolgus monkeys Day −5 Day 3 Day 86 PBS 60 46 16 ISIS 304299 46 35 24 ISIS 420915 113 83 30 ISIS 420921 57 50 56 ISIS 420922 30 59 46 ISIS 420950 48 54 266 ISIS 420957 29 33 87 ISIS 420959 22 77 74

TABLE 84 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on MIP-1α (pg/mL) in cynomolgus monkeys Day −5 Day 3 Day 86 PBS 6 7 7 ISIS 304299 6 7 9 ISIS 420915 5 5 10 ISIS 420921 8 11 9 ISIS 420922 9 8 5 ISIS 420950 7 9 5 ISIS 420957 6 6 6 ISIS 420959 9 6 5

TABLE 85 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on MIP-1β (pg/mL) in cynomolgus monkeys Day −5 Day 3 Day 86 PBS 13 19 42 ISIS 304299 17 23 54 ISIS 420915 15 27 72 ISIS 420921 23 43 112 ISIS 420922 9 41 70 ISIS 420950 8 25 126 ISIS 420957 16 27 182 ISIS 420959 36 46 117 Coagulation Tests

To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on factors involved in the coagulation pathway, the standard tests for coagulation were employed. PT and aPTT were measured using platelet poor plasma (PPP) from the monkeys over a period of 48 hrs. PT and aPTT values are provided in Tables 86 and 87 and expressed in seconds. Fibrinogen levels on the plasma were also quantitated over a period of 48 hrs and the data is presented in Table 88. As shown in Tables 86-88, PT, aPTT and fibrinogen were not significantly altered in monkeys treated with ISIS oligonucleotides compared to the PBS control.

TABLE 86 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on PT (sec) 0 hr 1 hr 4 hr 8 hr 24 hr 48 hr PBS 10.08 10.38 10.10 10.33 9.83 9.40 ISIS 304299 10.38 10.30 10.48 10.20 9.95 9.53 ISIS 420915 10.15 10.13 10.38 9.93 9.75 9.48 ISIS 420921 10.28 10.13 10.43 10.18 9.80 9.55 ISIS 420922 9.95 10.00 10.05 9.70 9.48 9.28 ISIS 420950 10.30 10.47 10.57 10.27 9.63 9.50 ISIS 420957 10.63 10.47 10.60 10.77 10.33 10.27 ISIS 420959 10.08 10.10 10.20 10.15 9.80 9.55

TABLE 87 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on aPTT (sec) 0 hr 1 hr 4 hr 8 hr 24 hr 48 hr PBS 19.40 19.70 20.13 20.20 19.43 17.30 ISIS 304299 21.83 24.35 27.05 25.73 22.40 18.78 ISIS 420915 20.05 22.83 23.83 24.00 21.78 17.90 ISIS 420921 24.15 26.68 31.78 31.90 27.80 22.15 ISIS 420922 25.28 29.48 34.83 33.90 29.13 25.08 ISIS 420950 28.13 31.40 35.40 35.40 31.40 28.37 ISIS 420957 29.13 33.27 39.13 37.40 36.50 29.93 ISIS 420959 22.45 24.73 29.18 28.38 25.50 20.65

TABLE 88 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on fibrinogen (mg/dL) 0 hr 1 hr 4 hr 8 hr 24 hr 48 hr PBS 212 203 240 247 282 272 ISIS 304299 175 172 198 207 227 200 ISIS 420915 213 196 204 258 257 215 ISIS 420921 208 209 230 237 301 249 ISIS 420922 278 277 335 338 400 304 ISIS 420950 293 295 348 376 390 296 ISIS 420957 280 299 344 330 434 328 ISIS 420959 276 277 354 326 414 320 Thyroid Panel Analysis To evaluate the effect of ISIS oligonucleotides on thyroid hormones, monkeys were fasted overnight and 3.5 mL of blood was drawn from each of the available study animals 5 days prior to the start of treatment and on days 51 and 86. Collected blood samples were kept in tubes without anticoagulant for serum separation. The tubes were kept for 90 min at room temperature, after which they were centrifuged (3000 rpm for 10 min at room temperature) to obtain serum. Serum samples were sent to the Biomarkers Core Laboratory of Emory University (Atlanta, Ga.) for thyroid panel analysis. The results for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are provided in Table 89 and expressed μL/mL. The results for total and free T3 hormone are provided in Tables 90 and 91. The results for total and free T4 hormone are provided in Tables 92 and 93. Overall, the thyroid panel analysis showed that all the animals remained within acceptable hormone levels even though transthyretin expression levels were reduced, demonstrating that the transthyretin antisense oligonucleotides did not affect hormone levels.

TABLE 89 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on TSH (μL/mL) Day −5 Day 51 Day 86 PBS 0.8 0.7 1.0 ISIS 304299 1.4 1.0 2.2 ISIS 420915 1.4 1.5 2.5 ISIS 420921 0.7 0.6 1.0 ISIS 420922 1.0 1.2 1.9 ISIS 420950 0.6 2.2 5.4 ISIS 420957 0.6 2.6 4.9 ISIS 420959 0.9 1.6 4.7

TABLE 90 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on total T3 (ng/dL) Day −5 Day 51 Day 86 PBS 177 248 140 ISIS 304299 202 226 176 ISIS 420915 156 206 156 ISIS 420921 217 204 137 ISIS 420922 188 177 131 ISIS 420950 260 208 105 ISIS 420957 266 160 78 ISIS 420959 299 219 137

TABLE 91 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on free T3 (pg/dL) Day −5 Day 51 Day 86 PBS 7.7 5.8 5.2 ISIS 304299 9.2 6.0 4.7 ISIS 420915 8.9 5.6 4.5 ISIS 420921 10.2 4.8 4.0 ISIS 420922 8.9 5.4 3.7 ISIS 420950 7.2 3.8 2.1 ISIS 420957 8.8 4.0 2.4 ISIS 420959 8.3 4.9 3.3

TABLE 92 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on total T4 (ng/dL) Day −5 Day 51 Day 86 PBS 5.8 4.9 4.4 ISIS 304299 8.1 5.5 6.1 ISIS 420915 8.3 5.7 5.5 ISIS 420921 7.6 6.1 5.6 ISIS 420922 7.3 6.1 5.8 ISIS 420950 6.1 6.3 5.7 ISIS 420957 6.3 4.4 5.0 ISIS 420959 7.9 5.9 8.1

TABLE 93 Effect of antisense oligonucleotide treatment on free T4 (pg/dL) Day −5 Day 51 Day 86 PBS 3.4 2.4 1.7 ISIS 304299 3.2 2.5 1.7 ISIS 420915 5.0 1.8 1.7 ISIS 420921 2.6 1.5 1.5 ISIS 420922 3.5 1.6 1.5 ISIS 420950 2.5 1.2 1.1 ISIS 420957 2.4 1.2 1.2 ISIS 420959 3.8 1.4 1.5 Pharmacokinetic Studies Measurement of Oligonucleotide Concentration

The concentration of the full-length oligonucleotide as well as the total oligonucleotide concentration (including the degraded form) was measured. The method used is a modification of previously published methods (Leeds et al., 1996; Geary et al., 1999) which consist of a phenol-chloroform (liquid-liquid) extraction followed by a solid phase extraction. An internal standard (ISIS 355868, a 27-mer 2′-O-methoxyethyl modified phosphorothioate oligonucleotide, GCGTTTGCTCTTCTTCTTGCGTTTTTT, designated herein as SEQ ID NO: 166) was added prior to extraction. Tissue sample concentrations were calculated using calibration curves, with a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of approximately 1.14 μg/g. The ratio of the concentrations in the kidney versus the liver was calculated. The results are presented in Tables 94 and 95, expressed as mg/g tissue.

TABLE 94 Full-length oligonucleotide concentration (μg/g) in the liver of cynomolgus monkey ISIS Kidney/Liver No. Kidney Liver ratio 304299 2179  739 2.9 420915 2439 1064 2.3 420921 4617 1521 3.0 420922 3957 1126 3.5 420950 3921 1082 3.6 420955 2444 1111 2.2 420957 3619 1230 2.9 420959 3918 1158 3.4

TABLE 95 Total oligonucleotide concentration (μg/g) in the liver of cynomolgus monkey ISIS Kidney/Liver No. Kidney Liver ratio 304299 3098  992 3.1 420915 3024 1266 2.4 420921 6100 1974 3.1 420922 4861 1411 3.4 420950 6003 1553 3.9 420955 2763 1208 2.3 420957 5420 1582 3.4 420959 5498 1501 3.7 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound consisting of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a single-stranded modified oligonucleotide consisting of 20 linked nucleosides having a nucleobase sequence consisting of SEQ ID NO: 80, wherein the modified oligonucleotide comprises: a gap segment consisting often linked deoxynucleosides; a 5′ wing segment consisting of five linked nucleosides; and a 3′ wing segment consisting of five linked nucleosides; wherein the gap segment is positioned between the 5′ wing segment and the 3′ wing segment, wherein each nucleoside of each wing segment comprises a 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar, wherein each internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage, and wherein each cytosine of the modified oligonucleotide is a 5-methylcytosine.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is a sodium salt.
 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is a potassium salt. 